Construction Begins on Uzbekistan’s First Toll Road Connecting Urgench and Khiva

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Construction has commenced on Uzbekistan’s first toll road, linking the cities of Urgench and Khiva.

According to O’zbekiston 24, the new four-lane asphalt-concrete highway will stretch 35 kilometers and accommodate over 20,000 vehicles per day.

Dilshod Niyazmetov, Head of the Khorezm Regional Department of the Road Committee, stated that the project is being implemented in accordance with international standards. The road is divided into five sections and includes the construction of overpasses, bridges, and a tunnel. He noted that the existing route causes significant inconvenience for both tourists and local residents.

The project involves the construction of 17 bridges, eight overpasses, one tunnel, and five specialized crossings.

The total cost is estimated at US$120 million. Turkish engineer Bulent Bayir added that traffic management will be carried out using digital systems based on artificial intelligence, capable of identifying various types of vehicles.

The pavement will have a thickness of approximately 87 centimeters, with the top two layers made of modified high-strength bitumen.

Gulom Zahidov, Director of the state company Yo’l-Loyiha Byurosi, emphasized that the road design began in line with presidential decrees and is progressing in parallel with construction work.

Once completed, the new road is expected to reduce travel time threefold: what currently takes up to an hour will take just 17 minutes.

The highway will feature terminals and two service stations at the start, midpoint, and end of the route. Modern drainage systems and collectors will be installed along the road due to the proximity of groundwater.

Designated animal crossings are planned along certain sections, while overpasses will be built at intersections with local roads.

The project is a major step toward developing Khorezm Region’s transport infrastructure and enhancing its tourist appeal.