Asphalt Paving Works Begin in Yerevan

Asphalt paving works have commenced in Yerevan, according to the city's municipal news service. Grigor Harutyunyan, head of the construction and urban improvement department, stated, “This year the tenders started quite early. They were announced last year. The main focus of the program is street repairs with network-type cracks.”

Under the program of the Yerevan Municipality for 2020, 567,850 square meters of asphalt concrete cover will be renewed. One of the first addresses is Sebastiya Street, where a total of 6,000 square meters of asphalt will be renovated.

To ensure a quality road, the damaged layer of asphalt is removed at a thickness of 4-5 cm. After that, it is dusted and treated with a special substance that acts as an adhesive. This is followed by applying hot asphalt brought from the factory. “At the time of installation, the temperature of the asphalt must be above 110 degrees. Currently, the temperature is 135 degrees,” said engineer Marzpet Melikonyan.

“When paving on a large scale, several leveling machines operate. Special equipment is also used that prevents the formation of waves after paving,” Harutyunyan emphasized.

This year, five companies will carry out asphalt paving in the city. The quality of work is monitored by specialists from the technical supervision service. “In each administrative district, our organization allocates a separate responsible technical supervisor who is constantly present at the construction site. Our supervision includes monitoring the contract conditions so that the contractor ensures the quality of materials and work, as well as the proper transfer of milling waste. Additionally, a laboratory test is conducted for every 10,000 square meters,” explained Norair Buniatyan, the head of the technical supervision organization.

Repairs are also planned for several other streets in the capital, including the central areas. “We have several streets where the asphalt needs to be completely renewed, including Italy Street and the portions of Proshyan and Leo Streets,” said the head of the construction and urban improvement department.

The life of the solid cover on streets with minor cracks will be extended through crack sealing, with 402,000 linear meters planned for sealing in 2020.

This year, the volumes of road repairs with earthen cover have increased, specifically in the city's outskirts and in streets adjacent to private houses. New tenders will be announced with saved funds, allowing more streets to be included in the programs.

This year, approximately 100 million drams are allocated from the community budget for the renovation of manholes, their copper covers, and storm drains. Manholes that are at lower levels create obstacles for traffic and have frequently drawn complaints from citizens. Although this issue is outside the community’s authority, efforts are being made by the municipality at the mayor’s direction,” noted Harutyunyan.

Extensive asphalt paving will also occur this year according to administrative district programs, including the renovation of yard areas and tertiary streets.

The Yerevan Municipality has not overlooked pedestrian comfort. 80 million drams have been allocated from the community budget for the construction, renovation, and paving of new sidewalks. The avenue leading to the main theater and its entrance are already receiving a new look.

This year’s program also includes the sidewalk on Koghbatsi Street from Tumanyan Street to Amiryan Street. An engaging initiative started by a private entity last year will continue with the city authorities.

The renovation and paving works are mainly conducted from 9 AM to 8 PM, while in heavily populated areas and on certain heavily trafficked streets, work may also occur during the night.