Ahmadbayli–Fuzuli–Shusha highway wins international award for innovative construction PHOTO

The Ahmadbayli–Fazuli–Shusha highway in Azerbaijan has been honoured with the “Innovative Construction Methodology” award by the International Road Federation (IRF).

Eyub Huseynov, a project engineer from the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, speaking from Fuzuli, said that the road infrastructure in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories is being developed with high standards and modern technologies, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The Ahmadbayli–Fuzuli–Shusha road, officially inaugurated on July 3 in a ceremony attended by President Ilham Aliyev, is one of the flagship projects in this effort.

The new highway offers a shorter alternative to the existing “Victory Road.” Stretching 81.7 kilometres, it reduces the travel distance by 19.3 kilometres compared to the old 101-kilometre route. The first 48 kilometres of the road meet the highest technical standards and feature six lanes, while the remaining 33.7 kilometres consist of four lanes.

The route includes significant infrastructure such as one transport hub, 11 bridges totalling 1,557 metres in length, seven tunnels, six viaducts, underground crossings, and other essential facilities. Construction also involved the installation of reinforced concrete and metal barriers, alongside a comprehensive lighting system.

Huseynov added that the highway starts from the Hajigabul–Horadiz–Aghband–Zangezur corridor and connects key locations including Fuzuli, Khojavend, Khojaly, and Shusha.

Built under the framework of the “First State Program for the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” the project aims to diversify the national road network and enhance transport links between the region and the rest of the country. Officials say the new highway will play a vital role in boosting tourism and economic activity across the liberated territories.

By Khagan Isayev