The Georgian military road through North Ossetia was briefly opened to light traffic after persistent bad weather impeded normal travel, according to the press office of the Main Directorate of the Republic’s Ministry of Emergencies. The reopening followed a period of field maintenance aimed at clearing the route and ensuring safe passage for motorists in the region. This decision came after assessments confirmed that the roadway could handle two-way movement under current conditions without compromising safety.
Officials reported that the road would remain accessible only after the area had undergone thorough field clearing within Georgia and that conditions had been deemed safe for vehicles traveling in both directions. The notification underscored that the clearance work was completed to ensure a secure corridor for passage and to minimize the risk of incidents along the route.
According to the release, traffic in the Vladikavkaz-Lars residential corridor was allowed to move in both directions starting at 12:00 Moscow time on March 4, enabling passenger cars and buses to proceed. The measure reflects a cautious approach to resuming traffic, with monitoring in place to respond swiftly should weather or road conditions deteriorate again.
Nevertheless, restrictions remained for large vehicles, which were not yet permitted to use the route. The decision to limit heavier traffic at this stage was taken to preserve road integrity and safety, given the potential impact of ongoing weather fluctuations on road surfaces and surrounding terrain.
The initial movement restrictions along the Georgian Military Highway were put in place at 01:10 Moscow time on March 4, prompted by the adverse weather observed in Georgia. The authorities indicated that these conditions necessitated temporary restrictions to ensure overall safety and to prevent traffic disruptions that could lead to more serious consequences.
In related remarks, Denis Gonchar, who previously served as Director of the CIS Department within the Russian Foreign Ministry, offered commentary on the broader framework of cross-border activity and the development of border infrastructure. His insights touched on ongoing work at the Upper Lars checkpoint, highlighting continued efforts to facilitate smoother and more secure border operations between Russia and Georgia.