Azerbaijan Wrapping Up Internationally-Tuned Shusha Road Construction (PHOTO/VIDEO)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 27. The State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads is completing construction of the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway based on international standards according to the“I State Program for the Great Return to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan”, approved by the Order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports via the agency statement.

The total length of the road measures 81.7 km, which is 19.3 km less than the Victory Road [the alternate route to Shusha, inaugurated in November 2021].

The path of the class I technical standard stretches over the initial 48 kilometers, featuring 6 lanes, followed by an additional 33.7 kilometers with 4 lanes. The first section of the roadway measures a generous 29.5 meters, while the second section narrows down to 21.5 meters.

The technical specifications of the road are as follows:

• Length – 81.74 kilometers;
• Technical grade – I;
• Number of lanes – 4-6 units;
• Lane width – 3.5 meters;
• Roadway width – 21.5-29.5 meters;
• Carriageway width – 14-21 meters;
• Shoulder width – 1.5-2 meters;
• Median width – 2 meters.

The structure of the road includes the following layers:

• Levelling layer of sand-gravel mixture of optimal composition – 23 centimeters;
• Lower foundation layer (subbase, sand-gravel mixture of optimal composition) – 20 centimeters;
• Upper base layer (base, fractional angular gravel) – 20 centimeters;
• Lower road surface layer (bitumen foundation, coarse-grained asphalt) – 16 centimeters;
• Lower road surface layer (binder, coarse-grained asphalt) – 7 centimeters;
• Upper road surface layer (fine-grained asphalt) – 5 centimeters.

As part of the project, drilling and embankment work, construction of the roadway and foundation, and laying of the asphalt concrete pavement up to the wear layer have been completed.

Along the road, 191 water drainage pipes of round and rectangular sections of various diameters, 76 underground and reserve crossings, 1 interchange, 11 bridges, seven tunnels, and nine viaducts have been built.

The total length of the bridges is 1557 meters, viaducts – 1965 meters, and the total length of tunnels (in both directions) is about 12,700 meters.

During the construction of the viaducts, for the first time in Azerbaijan, the method of concreting using horizontal sliding formwork was applied:

• 1st viaduct – at 57 km, 185 m;
• 2nd viaduct – at 61.6 km, 250 m;
• 3rd viaduct – at 62.5 km, 295 m;
• 4th viaduct – at 65.1 km, 146 m;
• 5th viaduct – at 69.67 km, 118 m;
• 6th viaduct – at 70.2 km, on average 140 m (left – 70 m, right – 210 m);
• 7th viaduct – at 78.7 km, 295 m;
• 8th viaduct – at 79.3 km, 158 m;
• 9th viaduct – at 79.7 km, on average 378 m (left – 410 m, right – 350 m).

The tunnels were constructed using drilling, blasting, and rock crushing methods:

• 1st tunnel – at 53.9 km, average length 3302 m (left 3275 m, right 3330 m);
• 2nd tunnel – at 69.9 km, average length 322.4 m (left 351.6 m, right 293.2 m);
• 3rd tunnel – at 71.55 km, average length 532.9 m (left 515.6 m, right 550.2 m);
• 4th tunnel – at 73.7 km, average length 680.2 m (left 679.8 m, right 680.6 m);
• 5th tunnel – at 77.7 km, average length 540.1 m (left 570 m, right 510.2 m);
• 6th tunnel – at 78.35 km, average length 454.2 m (left 431 m, right 477.4 m);
• 7th tunnel – at 80.6 km, average length 512.6 m (left 525.8 m, right 499.4 m).

As part of the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway construction project, walls with a total length of 31,800 meters have been built, including stone, geogrid, and concrete retaining walls. Drainage lines with a total length of 69,200 meters and channels with a total length of 256,000 meters have also been installed.

Currently, work on the project is being completed, including the laying of the wear layer of the asphalt concrete surface. Installation of reinforced concrete barriers, curved metal fences, lighting devices, and road equipment continues, as well as marking horizontal road signs, construction of rest areas, and parking spaces.

The construction work is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the "Building Codes and Standards" and international traffic regulations. Necessary workforce and equipment have been mobilized in the area to ensure timely completion of the work.

To note, the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway originates from the Hajigabul-Horadiz-Aghband-Zangezur highway and connects the liberated Fuzuli, Khojavand, Khojaly, and Shusha districts.

MENAFN27012025000187011040ID1109131703