Tashkent Reopens Part of Mustaqillik Avenue, Closes Another

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A section of Mustaqillik Avenue in Tashkent between Mirzo Ulugbek Street and Akkurgan Street, heading toward the city center, will reopen to traffic from 02:00 on 16 July, the city's Traffic Management Center (TMC) said.

According to the center, road resurfacing on that side of the avenue has been completed, while work on the surrounding infrastructure is continuing. At the same time, the next stage of reconstruction is beginning and will involve repairs to the opposite side of the roadway.

As a result, all traffic will be fully closed from 01:00 on 16 July until 22:00 on 31 July on the section of Mustaqillik Avenue between the intersection with Parkent Street and the junction with Mirzo Ulugbek Street.

The TMC said the temporary restrictions are necessary to carry out a comprehensive reconstruction of the avenue, improve road safety, and create modern transport infrastructure for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The center said completion of the first phase of the project was delayed from the original schedule.

The repairs, which began on 2 July, had initially been due for completion by 13 July.

During the work, specialists identified additional repairs needed to bring the drainage and stormwater systems into compliance with technical standards. According to the TMC, the upgrades will help prevent water accumulation on the roadway and extend the service life of the new pavement.

Another factor behind the revised timetable was hot weather. Occupational safety requirements and technical standards required roadworks to be suspended for four to five hours during the hottest part of the day. As a result, completion of the first phase was postponed by approximately 36 to 48 hours, although work continued on an intensified schedule, including during the evening and overnight.

The reconstruction includes laying a polymer stone mastic asphalt pavement.

According to the TMC, the material provides greater resistance to rutting, deformation, temperature fluctuations and heavy traffic loads.

The project also includes upgrades to street lighting, drainage channels, road markings, curbs and barriers, improvements to sidewalks, construction of three bus bays and installation of three new bus shelters. Passenger waiting areas will also be expanded and equipped with tactile paving.

The authorities have not yet published information on possible changes to public transport routes during the second phase of the reconstruction.