TBILISI, August 29 – Heavy rain triggered a landslide in Georgia’s mountainous Lentekhi municipality on Saturday, washing away a road bridge and thus severing the road toward Mestia, Interpressnews reported.
The bridge near the village of Sakdari was completely swept away after water levels rose sharply following intense rainfall, according to the Roads Department.
Traffic has been temporarily banned for all vehicles on sections linking Sakdari, Lasdili and Ushguli. High-clearance vehicles can use a detour that has already been opened.
Road crews are working at the site, and authorities plan to install a temporary SARM bridge to restore access until a permanent replacement is built.
The Roads Department said preventive work had already been underway beneath the existing bridge, including reshaping and deepening the river channel. But heavy rain sharply increased the volume of water in the river, which ultimately swept the bridge away.
A project for a new permanent bridge has already been prepared, and tender procedures are expected to begin shortly. The temporary bridge will remain in use until construction of the new crossing is completed.
