First Phase of Mustaqillik Avenue Reconstruction Nears Completion in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The first phase of the comprehensive reconstruction of Mustaqillik Avenue is nearing completion in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district of Tashkent. Resurfacing work on one of the sections has already been finalized, and traffic is expected to resume here in the near future, according to the capital's Traffic Management Center (TSODD).

During the operations, specialists removed 23,000 square meters of worn-out road surface and replaced it with an identical volume of coarse-grained asphalt concrete. Additionally, a basalt geogrid was installed across an area of nearly 29,000 square meters to reinforce the road structure.

Road crews are currently laying the top wear-resistant layer of SMA-20 (stone mastic asphalt with polymer additives) over a 23,000-square-meter area. TSODD officials noted that this material provides high resistance to heavy traffic loads, high-temperature deformation, and rutting, which will significantly extend the service life of the avenue's roadway.

Concurrently, the stormwater drainage system along the route is undergoing modernization. Teams have repaired 1.14 kilometers of drainage gutters, replaced 111 meters of metal pipes, installed 1.3 kilometers of new curbs, and replaced another 1.14 kilometers of roadside curbstone along the main roadway. Additionally, 566 meters of old curbstones were dismantled along the central dividing strip.

According to TSODD, these drainage improvements will minimize the risk of water pooling on the roadway during heavy rainfall, thereby protecting the new asphalt pavement from water damage.

The street lighting network along the avenue is also being upgraded, with plans to replace 34 outdated light poles with 67 modern ones. Additionally, crews are constructing three bus boarding platforms and installing three new bus shelters. Passenger waiting areas are being expanded and outfitted with tactile guiding tiles to assist visually impaired commuters.

The ongoing reconstruction project involves over 30 units of specialized machinery and more than 250 workers and specialists.

Traffic on the section of Mustaqillik Avenue between Mirzo Ulugbek and Akkurgan streets heading toward the city center was originally restricted until 13 July 2026 for the capital repairs. However, unexpected requirements to overhaul the underlying drainage and runoff systems prevented contractors from completing the work within the initially announced timeframe.