Armenian First Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Artour Arakelyan today said that Tranche 1 (Artashat to Ashtarak) of the North-South Highway would be opened to two-way vehicular traffic by the end of December.

At today’s special session of Armenia’s National Parliament focusing on roadways, Arakelyan was asked by Prosperous Armenia MP Vahe Enfiajyan why certain sections of the new highway, that seem completed, haven’t yet been opened.

When queried by MP Enfiajyan if the highway has been plagued with quality control issues, Arakelyan responded that periodic testing of the work being done continues and that those responsible for defective work will be penalized.

When asked by the legislator if the highway would ever be turned into a toll road, Arakelyan said that there were no current plans to make drivers pay but that foreign cargo carriers might.