In 1930, Stepanavan became the centre of the newly formed "Stepanavan raion". The first major plan of the town was introduces in 1957. It was revised in 1962 and 1971. Stepanavan was granted the status of a town of republican subordination in 1967. Originally built on the right bank of the Dzoraget River, Stepanavan has been expanded towards the right bank of the river as well after the devastating 1988 earthquake that left around 6000 families homeless in the town. The 2 parts of the town are connected with each other through the Stepanavan Bridge opened in 1989.