MINSK, 23 January (BelTA) – The World Bank Group is ready to provide a loan for the reconstruction of the M-6 Minsk-Grodno highway, BelTA learnt from spokeswoman for the Transport and Communications Ministry of Belarus Elena Solonenko.

The talks with representatives of the World Bank Group held in the Transport Ministry of Belarus focused on cooperation in the development of the country’s road and transport infrastructure. «The main result of the meeting was agreements on a joint implementation of the project related to the reconstruction of the M-6 Minsk-Grodno highway following the parameters for the 1st category road,» the spokeswoman said. The main parameters of such a highway are at least four lanes, two in each direction, divided by a guard rail. It is expected that works on the highway will be launched in early 2015.

At present the Belarusian side is working on the design for the Grodno motorway within Minsk and Grodno Oblasts. The parties will also soon start preparing to sign the relevant loan agreement. According to Elena Solonenko, the sum will be made public after the signing of the document.

Belarus and the World Bank have already cooperated in transport infrastructure development. The joint project on the reconstruction of the Pukhovichi-Bobruisk section of the M-5 Minsk-Gomel highway can be cited as a good example. The World Bank allocated about $150 million (the relevant agreement was signed in 2010) for these purposes. The international tender was won by the Italian company Todini. Construction works were performed by Belarusian road and bridge building companies. «The 53km section was commissioned last year,» Elena Solonenko said.