YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. Saralanj Highway was put into operation in Yerevan on September 29. The highway links Kentron and Arabkir communities without traffic-light regulating crossroads, reaching as far as Davitashen Bridge. Saralanj highway's entrance is ensured by a 186-meter tunnel that begins at Myasnikian Avenue. The construction of the highway started 3 years ago with about 6 billion drams allocated by Armenian American Kirk Kirkorian's Lincy Foundation. A two-level transport passage, which ensures an entrance into the highway and links Abovian Grove to Myasnikian Avenue, was also put into operation. The total length of the passage is 220 meters, including a 44-meter tunnel section. 1.3 billion drams of state budgetary resources was allocated for its construction. It will allow to ease traffic congestion at the crossroads of Yerevan's Abovian-Myasnikian and Heratsi Streets. The opening ceremony was attended by the RA president Serzh Sargsyan, the former president Robert Kocharian, ministers and other high-ranking officials. In the words of Yerevan mayor Yervand Zakarian, Saralanj Highway is the first freeway bypassing downtown Yerevan, which is an alternative to busy Baghramian Avenue, Abovian Street, Khanjian Street and several other streets full of traffic. "The operation of Saralanj Road solves the problem of easing traffic in Yerevan because vehicles moving from the city's north to its south and in the opposite direction will no longer pass through the center of Yerevan," the mayor said. In connection with the elimination of traffic-light regulation, construction of an overground pedestrian crossing has already began in Heratsi Street and will finish by late 2008. The road construction work in Ayrarat Cinema - Heratsi Street section will also finish by late 2008, ensuring a free movement of traffic along the Getar River's bed to Saralanj Highway up to Davitashen Bridge. During a talk with reporters Serzh Sargsyan attached importance to the programs on road construction and school construction. He also spoke about his recent visit to the U.S. which he assessed as normal. In his words, the warmest and most moving meeting was that with the Armenian community: "I told them that we must be tolerant and competitive and that our power is in our diversity." The president said that the power of the local Dispora is felt: "I was just proud that we have some compatriots who represent force and power in the world's most powerful state."

---