As of February 8th, a number of roads in Armenia are closed or difficult to pass due to adverse weather conditions. According to the Rescue Service, the roads leading to the Amberd Fortress in the Aragatsotn region are closed, as is the road from Jermuk to Saravan-“Zanger” for trucks with trailers. The Ltsen-Tatev-Kapan highway is one-way, and the roads in the Syunik region are difficult to pass. Black ice is observed in some places on the Dzyuzhevan-Voskepar highways, in the Dilijan turns and in the Norashen-“Zanger” section. It is snowing in the Lori region (except Alaverdi), in the Hrazdan region, in Gavar, in the Dilijan turns, in Dzyuzhevan, Baghanis and Voskepar villages. Drivers are advised to drive exclusively with winter tires.
According to information received from the Department of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia 1 and the Crisis Management Center of 2 the North Ossetian Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is closed for all types of vehicles. This is important to consider especially for drivers who are planning trips to Georgia or Russia. The closed road can create serious problems, especially for freight carriers who will have to wait for the road to open.
In such unstable weather conditions, drivers are required to be extremely careful and cautious on the road. It is recommended to follow the official information on road traffic and avoid long trips if possible. Safety should be the first priority for every driver. The closure of the Stepantsminda-Lars highway has significant implications for regional transportation and trade. This route serves as a crucial artery connecting Armenia with Russia and other countries in the North Caucasus region. The closure not only disrupts passenger travel but also impedes the flow of goods, potentially impacting supply chains and economic activity.
The frequency and duration of such closures due to weather underscore the vulnerability of relying on a single, geographically challenging route. This situation highlights the need for diversification of transportation infrastructure and the exploration of alternative routes to mitigate the impact of future closures. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely weather forecasting and communication to allow travelers and businesses to make informed decisions and minimize disruptions.