Almaty-Bishkek highway to be expanded to eight lanes

Kazakhstan is undertaking a major reconstruction of a key transport corridor, expanding the Almaty-Bishkek highway from four to eight lanes. The project targets the section between kilometers 19 and 27, an area that experiences heavy traffic with over 70,000 vehicles passing daily.

The current four-lane road struggles to accommodate the immense vehicle flow, leading to frequent traffic jams, reduced average speeds, and an increased risk of accidents. The expansion is expected to significantly boost the capacity for vehicles entering and exiting Almaty, enhance traffic safety, and shorten travel times for commuters and freight.

Beyond widening the roadway, the project includes the construction of two "horseshoe" type interchanges and nine overhead pedestrian crossings. Additionally, sidewalks will be installed along the entire stretch, accompanied by a new street lighting system and fresh road surfacing. The entire reconstruction is slated for completion by December 2027.