Construction work is underway for the Murovdag Tunnel in Azerbaijan, with breakthrough now having been achieved. The 23.4km road tunnel will be one of the longest in the world, featuring two lanes in either direction.
The project is being carried out by the Turkish contractor, Cengiz Construction, and is being managed by Azerbaijan State Agency of Automobile Roads (AAYDA). The tunnel forms part of the new 81km highway linking Toghanali with Kalbajar and Istisu, replacing the existing Route 19 and providing a faster and safer transport link.
Almost 90% of the tunnel project has been completed, and the link is expected to open to traffic in 2026. The 38 cross passages connecting the dual tubes for the tunnel have also been driven. Support works have yet to be completed while ventilation, lighting and traffic control and safety systems are also being installed.
The tunnel is being built to replace the torturous stretch of Route 19 between the villages of Yanshag and Azgilli, the latter in the Goygol National Park. This passes through the Murovdag Mountains and reaches an altitude of up to 3,260m while it is notorious for its danger and difficulty due to its numerous switchbacks, particularly during winter when it is often blocked due to extreme weather conditions.
The new highway linking Toghanali with Kalbajar and Istisu will feature a further four tunnels with a total length measuring in excess of 2,600m. Once the work on the new highway has been finished, it will provide a faster and safer route for drivers. The improved route will boost access to the region and improve the reliability and safety of transport, while also allowing better access for tourism to the Goygol National Park. This road project is one of several that the Azerbaijan Government has initiated in a bid to improve road transport links within the country.
