Tbilisi mayor announces full rehabilitation of central Rustaveli Avenue

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has announced the start of a full-scale rehabilitation of Rustaveli Avenue, with construction due to begin on 23 July and continue until the end of November.

Speaking at a meeting of the Tbilisi City Hall government on Tuesday, Kaladze said the capital's main avenue would be transformed into a modern, safer and more accessible public space.

He said the project had been delayed because several public tenders failed after no companies submitted bids.

"Rustaveli Avenue is the calling card of our capital, both visually and historically. It has witnessed moments of joy, victory, pain and sorrow, and it should be maintained to a standard that gives both visitors and local residents a sense of pride," Kaladze said.

He added construction will begin at 00:00 on 23 July, when all vehicular traffic will be suspended along Rustaveli Avenue and part of Merab Kostava Street.

The rehabilitation will cover the section between Tamar Chovelidze Street and Freedom Square, encompassing nearly two kilometres of roadway.

Kaladze said the first phase of the project would focus on replacing underground utility infrastructure, including water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage and gas distribution networks. Overhead utility lines will also be relocated underground, while underground waste collection containers will be installed.

The project also includes reconstruction of the road surface and pavements, installation of new asphalt, replacement of the street lighting network with LED lighting and upgrades to road infrastructure.

The mayor said landscaping would form a key part of the redevelopment, with existing green spaces to be renovated and additional trees planted.

He added that new pedestrian crossings, road signs and pavement markings would improve safety, while the avenue would be made fully accessible for people with disabilities.

According to Kaladze, the project will be implemented by Tbilisi City Hall's Infrastructure Development Service and is scheduled for completion by the end of November.