Alternative route between Ushguli and Kutaissi

Hi everyone, I'm planning a trip to Mestia and Ushguli in late June and I had a question about roads. My inital plan was to drive from Kutaissi to Mestia/Ushguli via Jvari and return the same way, as this was the route suggested by Google Maps. However, now I've been reading online that there is apparently a new road between Ushguli and Kutaissi that passes through Muashi/Lentekhi. If possible, I'd like to take that alternative route so as not to repeat too much of the trip, and also because it seems to be a little faster. However, that road does not show up on Google Maps, which is why I am a bit concerned.

Does anyone know anything about this road? E.g., whether it really exists, whether it is driveable/open, how the road conditions are, and why it doesn't show up on Maps? Would be very grateful for any leads!