From November 13 through the end of the month, drivers may encounter slower traffic and movement constraints at the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, the Russia–Georgia border crossing that handles a high volume of vehicles. The information comes from the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, which notes that work will begin on November 13 to asphalt the entrance area from Georgia into Russia. The project is expected to take about three weeks, and several lanes will be phased out for all vehicle categories during the construction period.
To minimize disruption, the Federal Customs Service advises carriers to plan alternative routes for freight transport. Specifically, three international road checkpoints on Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan are highlighted as potential alternatives: Yarag-Kazmalyar, Tagurkent-Kazmalyar, and Novo-Filya, with Novo-Filya positioned to process empty trucks more efficiently. This guidance is intended to help logistics operators avoid bottlenecks at Verkhniy Lars and maintain steady supply chains across the region.
Verkhniy Lars stands as the busiest border crossing between Russia and Georgia. In recent months, the flow of vehicles through the checkpoint has exceeded a thousand per day, reflecting its critical role in regional trade and passenger movement. At present, about forty lanes remain in operation, illustrating the scale of the facility and the potential impact of lane reductions on overall throughput. The extended construction period will likely influence wait times, planning horizons for carriers, and cross-border schedules for both goods and passenger traffic.
Reports indicate that queues among passenger vehicles have formed along routes from Belarus toward the European Union. The queue growth underscores broader dynamics in the region’s border logistics, where even temporary lane closures can ripple through supply chains, especially for industries dependent on just-in-time deliveries or time-sensitive shipments. Stakeholders in Canada and the United States who rely on North American supply chains with Eurasian connectors may want to factor these delays into routing decisions, inventory planning, and contingency budgeting. The situation also highlights the importance of monitoring border developments and maintaining flexible carrier options as part of ongoing risk management for cross-border trade. [Citation: Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation]