Tbilisi City Hall: Underpinning works underway on two Rustaveli Avenue underpasses, with stone cladding scheduled for all pedestrian subways

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, alongside Deputy Mayor Irakli Bendeliani, inspected ongoing rehabilitation works on Rustaveli Avenue today.

Broadcasting live on Facebook, the Mayor reported swift progress on the overhaul, confirming the project remains on schedule to finish by the end of November.

“The works are proceeding at a very active pace. First and foremost, underground infrastructure is being thoroughly modernised, as its severely degraded condition posed acute risks both to transit operations and to the stability of adjacent structures. At this stage, we face no obstacles whatsoever. Works are advancing at a solid pace, with all relevant contractors deployed on site. As promised, the rehabilitation will be completed by the end of November, and everything will be put in proper order,” Kaladze said.

According to the Mayor, the pedestrian underpasses on Rustaveli Avenue—specifically those outside the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the First Classical Gymnasium—are structurally compromised and require urgent reinforcement.

“We have heard a great deal of falsehoods regarding the Rustaveli Avenue overhaul. Those so minded are spreading whatever fabrications they can invent. Therefore, do not believe anyone. Should there be anything to convey, we will always provide comprehensive information to the public, particularly when it comes to such critical infrastructure works and the overhaul of such a vital thoroughfare,” Kaladze stressed.

“As for the pedestrian underpasses, those located in front of both the Opera and the Classical Gymnasium are structurally compromised and require reinforcement works,” he added.

Deputy Mayor Irakli Bendeliani provided additional technical details regarding the project.

“Regarding the two pedestrian subways along the avenue, we received official engineering assessments upon which detailed design works were initiated. Preliminary site preparations have also commenced. Under the design plan, both subways will undergo structural reinforcement to ensure public safety and guarantee long-term operational durability. Furthermore, waterproofing works are underway on the upper surfaces, after which road construction itself will begin. The project also entails cladding all underpasses with natural stone,” Bendeliani noted.

Regarding utility works, Deputy Mayor Bendeliani said utility firms will complete their on-site operations by the end of the month, allowing comprehensive roadworks to begin.

“Georgian Water and Power and Tbilisi Energy will conclude operations on site by the end of this month. Only final switchover works from the old to the new pipeline networks will remain; they will not disrupt surface roadworks. From then on, road construction will move into full gear: first installing drainage along the remaining sections, followed by sub-base preparation and, finally, asphalt paving. Pavement work is proceeding in parallel, with cable trenches being laid out. We have also started laying natural stone paving across the avenue,” Bendeliani added.