New highway to connect Uzbekistan capital

In Uzbekistan work is commencing on a key link of the highway connecting capital Tashkent to Osh. The 58km section of the A373 being improved runs though the Kamchik mountain pass and needs to be upgraded due to wear and tear from the winter weather conditions as well as being widened to handle growing traffic levels. The work will be completed by mid-2014 and is costing some US$211 million. The existing road features a single lane running in either direction. The work involves widening the highway so that it will carry two lanes of traffic in either direction. The work is being carried out by the Spanish contractor Corviam Construcción in partnership with local firm Elektrotarmokkurilish. Of note is the fact that the road will feature a concrete surface, which is being used to help cope with the often severe winter conditions as this is expected to last longer in this application. A loan of $167 million from the 943 Asian Development Bank will help fund the work.