Vitebsk implements the largest investment project for the reconstruction of a street-microdistrict

From Problematic to Elite

Gagarin Street was once a dreary industrial district on the outskirts. For the past two decades, it was considered one of the most problematic in the city. Today, a large-scale investment project is being implemented here – the largest in the region. The long-awaited reconstruction of the five-kilometer street will soon turn it into a very attractive and comfortable corner for city dwellers and a convenient route for transit motorists. 

The President's Directive

— One can say that this project is the practical implementation of the tasks set by the President at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, — notes Vladimir Belous, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. — Having the status of socially significant, it is financed by the Development Bank, established by decree of the Head of State. In general, the reconstruction will require about 39 million rubles, 14 of which have already been utilized. Gagarin Street awaits many innovations. Remember, Alexander Grigoryevich noted in his speech at the assembly: today we are writing the history of our lives, and we must ensure that the history of each of us becomes part of the history of our beautiful and cozy country. So, in a few more months, the facility will be commissioned, and everyone who is involved in the fundamental transformations of this outlying microdistrict today will understand: they have left a worthy mark on the chronicle of their hometown. A mark that can and should be proud of.



The construction received a new impetus last summer during the visit of the Head of State to Vitebsk. While opening the Polotsk overpass then, Alexander Lukashenko praised the designers and builders.

— A very modern and convenient interchange has been created. This is a monument for centuries that we are leaving to our Slavic city. This is a crucial road, and we have built it, — the President assessed the construction.

And immediately announced the next step: during the construction of the overpass, the residents of Vitebsk saved a certain amount of money. They are now asking for it to be transferred to Gagarin Street, which requires repair. "We still need to put this street in order," demanded the Head of State, promising support.

At an Accelerated Pace

…Mountains of gravel, sand, and shiny metal pipes. Hundreds of people and dozensunits of equipment. The President's directive is being fulfilled at an accelerated pace. According to the work schedule, all three phases of reconstruction should be completed by the next "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" arts forum.

— We will cope with the task, — is optimistic about Vladimir Lenchikov, head of the general contractor OAO "Stroitelny Trest No. 9". — We started work on July 15. Now about 200 of our workers are working here daily, as well as representatives of five subcontractors. The facility is not simple. Design is mostly carried out in parallel with construction. Significant difficulties arise with utility networks. After all, large main gas and water pipelines, heating networks, electrical and sewage systems have to be relocated. The utilities are old. Since 2010, when the design and estimate documentation was developed, much has changed. It turns out that not all owners have accurate diagrams and plans of their location, sometimes it is difficult to establish economic ownership. And in close proximity are large shoe and garment factories, many schools, kindergartens, private sector... So any mistakes are fraught with consequences.

Sergey Prokhorenko, head of the mechanization department of special works No. 140, who is directly managing the site, admits that the work would go much faster if it were possible to close traffic for a while. But this is unrealistic.

— The traffic load is high, and the flow cannot be rerouted, — he notes. — Therefore, when relocating networks, we have to make punctures under the road. And this is a great expense of both time and effort.

The weather also let down the general contractors a bit. They complain: last winter it was possible to even lay tiles at this time, but this year both snow and frost have suspended earthworks. Given the importance of underground utilities, it was unsafe to continue them. God forbid you damage, say, a heating network – the entire microdistrict, where tens of thousands of people live, will be left without heat. Frozen ground is unpredictable: you can rip out a piece of pipe along with it.

— It's okay, it's getting warmer. We'll catch up, — Sergey Borisovich is pleased with the pace of today's work.

ch. — Soon we'll start counting the workday in days, although even now we work from dusk till dawn. And without days off. Now we are relocating power grids, installing retaining walls (the widened street will pass very close to the houses), laying water pipes, and are already starting the construction of treatment facilities for storm sewers.

Well, let's go!

What will it be like, the updated Gagarin Street? The microdistrict where people have long been reluctant to build and rent housing? Even in advertisements, out of habit, they still write: don't suggest Gagarin…

The builders show the project: sidewalks will be arranged on both sides. Green zones will be laid out here, flower beds will be located here. Nine new bus stop pavilions, modern kiosks… At the same time, the facades of adjacent houses will be tidied up, some courtyards, driveways and passages will be improved. So the appearance of the currently unpromising street will change dramatically.