Video: The ‘Korea Gorge’ Bridge Is Being Renovated

In order to alleviate traffic flows in the capital, the municipality is currently considering a number of projects and plans to bypass Yerevan. One of these projects is the renovation of the ‘Korea Gorge’ bridge, which connects Yerevan to the Kotayk region. According to the municipality, the renovation of this bridge, which has more than 50 years of history, is part of the annual plans of the Yerevan City Hall. The construction work has already begun.

“This bridge is one of the bypass roads, which our citizens seldom use due to its deplorable condition. Last year, we planned the design documents, and this year we have successfully passed the competition, which has led to the commencement of construction,” said the First Deputy Mayor of Yerevan, Hrachya Sargsyan.

The initial plan was to reinforce the bridge and construct a new traffic lane. However, after further investigation, it became clear that the bridge’s foundation was in a state of emergency, leading to the decision to construct a completely new bridge.

“In fact, we need to completely dismantle the old bridge and rebuild it. The existing roadway is currently 4 meters wide, but it will become 8 meters, and there will also be sidewalks on both sides,” said Minas Minasyan, director of the Bridge Reinforced Concrete Structures factory.

This ‘Korea Gorge’ bridge provides a direct link between Davtashen and the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district while simultaneously offering access to Kotayk and Aragatsotn. Drivers heading to Ashtarak or Zovuni can avoid passing through central areas such as Kentron, Arabkir, Ajapnyak, and partly Davtashen.

“We have the opportunity to exit directly to the Tbilisi highway without entering the city, which will reduce traffic flow and provide safe passage for citizens. However, we cannot limit ourselves to just the renovation of the bridge; we also need to repair the road so that it can serve its purpose to the fullest,” added Hrachya Sargsyan.

A budget of 62 million drams has been allocated from the community budget for the renovation of the bridge. The work is expected to be completed this autumn.