Following the Easter holiday, the rehabilitation of Akaki Tsereteli Avenue and the bridge named after Shota Shalikashvili, widely known as the Didube bridge, will commence. Such a statement made today the Mayor of Tbilisi.

“The comprehensive rehabilitation of Tsereteli Avenue will be undertaken, encompassing the replacement and renewal of underground communications that are in the most dilapidated condition, as well as the upgrading of water and gas supply networks, and the implementation of a drainage network.

We recognize that the temporary closure of the avenue presents significant challenges and will result in inconveniences for the public in terms of vehicular movement throughout the capital. However, we acknowledge that it is impossible to undertake such a large-scale rehabilitation project without temporarily closing the avenue. Initially, we considered solely repairing the road infrastructure to mitigate inconvenience. Nevertheless, this approach would be a futile expenditure of funds, and it would be problematic to justify to the public why the avenue remains problematic despite past rehabilitation efforts.

Furthermore, a new lighting system will be installed on the avenue and power lines will be placed underground; Asphalt pavement will be laid and sidewalks, safety islands will be arranged; Zebra crossings will be drawn, and an appropriate traffic lane will be allocated for public transport. In addition, landscaping works will be carried out and the existing infrastructure on the avenue will be adapted for disabled people.

Along with the renovation of Akaki Tsereteli Avenue, we are also commencing the rehabilitation of the bridge named after Shota Shalikashvili (Didube bridge). This bridge was built in 1953 and since then, rehabilitation works are being carried out for the first time. According to the project, the 152-meter-long bridge will be completely rehabilitated, after which the roadway and pavement will be renewed, the damaged areas of the arches, railings and parapets will be rehabilitated. What’s more, tiles will be cleaned and re-tiled and outdoor lighting will be installed. The implementation process of all projects of this scale creates some inconvenience in terms of movement. However, at the same time, we all want the streets and avenues of Tbilisi to be modern, European and updated. I hope that there will be support from the community. There will indeed be some discomfort, however we have to get through it all together”, - said Kakha Kaladze.