A section of newly laid asphalt on Novo-Bulvarnaya Street in Chita, near the intersection with Zhuravleva Street, has subsided again. This marks the second instance of such an issue in this area in recent months, raising concerns about the quality of road repairs.
An eyewitness reported the developing collapse to a local news outlet.
Earlier this year, in April, the asphalt at the same location initially collapsed, creating a pit that subsequently filled with water. It was suspected at the time that a burst pipe underneath the road surface may have been the cause. By May 5, the area began to sink once more.
Following media reports of the initial collapse, the prosecutor’s office launched an investigation into the matter. The supervising authority issued a warning to the client responsible for the roadwork, the head of MКУ “Городские дороги” (City Roads), stating that accepting the repairs before all issues were resolved would not be permitted. A representation was also issued to the municipal DMRSU, the contractor responsible for the street reconstruction.
The reconstruction of Novo-Bulvarnaya Street, specifically the section between Shilova Street and Zhuravleva Street, was originally slated for completion in 2024. However, the project has faced delays, and certain aspects of the work, including storm sewer construction and landscaping, have been pushed back to 2025.
The municipal enterprise “Road and Bridge Repair and Construction Department” (DMRSU), the contractor for the project, has faced scrutiny regarding the quality and pace of its work. In the past, regional and city authorities have voiced criticism, leading to the hiring of additional subcontractors to assist DMRSU.