The full-scale rehabilitation of Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue has officially begun, the Tbilisi City Hall announced.

According to the municipality, the first phase of the project will focus on replacing underground utility networks, including the main water supply, sewage, stormwater drainage, and gas systems. Overhead utility lines will be relocated to underground cable ducts, and underground waste collection containers will also be installed.

Tbilisi Deputy Mayor Irakli Bendeliani inspected the launch of the works together with heads of relevant municipal services.

“We have begun the full rehabilitation of Rustaveli Avenue. At the first stage, all streets providing access to the avenue have been closed. The project has been divided into several lots. Given the tight schedule and the goal of completing the project by the end of November, work must be carried out simultaneously along the entire avenue, 24 hours a day,” Bendeliani said.

He noted that the project includes a complete overhaul of both underground and above-ground infrastructure, the installation of additional green spaces, a new street lighting network, modern underground waste bins, and the introduction of a new traffic management scheme.

Bendeliani apologized to residents for the inconvenience caused by around-the-clock construction, saying such measures are necessary to complete the large-scale project within the planned timeframe.

According to City Hall, the project also includes the construction of new road infrastructure, rehabilitation of the roadway and sidewalks, resurfacing with new asphalt, and full accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities.

Special attention will be given to pedestrian safety and convenience through the installation of new at-grade pedestrian crossings, road signs, and updated pavement markings.

The total cost of the project is estimated at up to GEL 50 million.

Traffic on Rustaveli Avenue will be restricted for approximately four months while the rehabilitation works are underway.