President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 18 traveled along the new Urganch-Khiva toll road, the first of its kind in the country. The road starts from Urganch airport and runs alongside the newly opened railway line.

The project involved the construction of 35 kilometers of highway, 1 underground tunnel, 8 overpasses, 15 bridges, and 106 culverts. Service and maintenance facilities are planned along the route.

The road's capacity is over 30,000 vehicles per day. Its opening is expected to reduce travel time from 45-50 minutes to 15-17 minutes.

Traffic management and toll collection are handled through digital solutions. Drivers can pay electronically without stopping, using bank cards or QR codes. Special lanes are designated for emergency vehicles to ensure unobstructed passage.

Construction began in February. The project cost is estimated at $120 million. The road surface is 87 cm thick, with a modified bitumen mixture resistant to hot climates used in the top layer.

Recently, the president signed a new version of the Law "On Highways," which establishes the legal framework for toll roads. The law mandates that alternative free roads must be available as a prerequisite for toll roads.

Source: www.gazeta.uz