The President of Turkmenistan opened the final section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway
During a working visit to the Lebap velayat, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the ceremonial opening of the Mary-Turkmenabat section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported. Construction of the 600-kilometer highway began in 2019. The first section, Ashgabat–Tejen, was commissioned in 2021, and the Tejen–Mary section in 2024. The opening of the Mary–Turkmenabad section marks the final stage of this large-scale infrastructure project. Speaking at the ceremony, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the historical significance of the new facility. "Since ancient times, an important section of the Great Silk Road, which once connected continents, ran through our country. We are currently making every effort to restore this route in its modern format," he said. The head of state also noted that the highway connecting the Ahal, Mary, and Lebap velayats with Ashgabat will significantly reduce the time it takes to transport passengers and cargo, increase the capacity of the country's transport system, and boost regional development. The new section of the highway includes six traffic lanes—three in each direction. The roadway is 34,5 meters wide. The Category I road surface is constructed using a multi-layer base of high-quality asphalt concrete, synthetic materials, and reinforcing mesh. Along the highway, there are gas stations, parking areas, rest areas, food service stations, and medical and technical support facilities. Traffic safety is ensured by a continuous video surveillance system and several roadside checkpoints. Toll booths are located at the entrance. Representatives of foreign companies involved in the construction attended the opening ceremony. Luis Felipe Duc Villegas, Director of Commercial Marketing for the French company GEA, presented international certificates of conformity confirming the high quality of the video surveillance and fare collection systems (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 10012). Dong Guosen, a representative of the Chinese company Shandong Jiangfeng New Material Technology, presented a certificate certifying the compliance of road metal barriers with international safety standards, including ISO 1461 and EN 1317. After cutting the symbolic ribbon, Serdar Berdimuhamedov drove onto the highway, blessing the start of traffic on the new section. The festivities included theatrical performances, a demonstration of Ahal-Teke horses, national wrestling competitions, and traditional games. Following the ceremony, the President departed Turkmenabat for Ashgabat.
