YEREVAN. - North-South road corridor will be in line with highest international criteria, said Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan on Wednesday at the meeting with Armenian MFA central staff and leaders of diplomatic representations abroad.

According to him, the program is unique for Armenia. Its total volume is estimated at $ 1.5 billion.

“Corresponding contract worth $ 500 million has already been signed. 15 foreign companies already participate in the competition for construction of the road,” PM said.

He mentioned that the plan is to start the construction works this year.

The total length of the corridor is 556 km. It provides access to the Black Sea and other countries through Armenia and Georgia.

Crossing the territory of Armenia, from south to north (Meghri - Kapan - Goris-Yerevan - Ashtarak - Gyumri - Bavra) corridor joins the Georgian road from the south.