Almaty-Bishkek road to be expanded to eight lanes

Work has commenced in Kazakhstan's Almaty region to significantly upgrade a vital stretch of the Almaty-Bishkek highway. The reconstruction targets the road section between the 19th and 27th kilometers, a move designed to modernize one of Central Asia's most critical transport links. This corridor currently facilitates the movement of over 70,000 vehicles daily. The primary objectives of this ambitious project are to boost the road's capacity for traffic entering and leaving Almaty, enhance overall road safety, and decrease travel durations. The existing four-lane configuration has proven insufficient to handle the escalating volume of vehicles, leading to frequent congestion, reduced average speeds, and a higher incidence of accidents. Plans for the highway's transformation include expanding it from the current four lanes to a total of eight. The project also encompasses the construction of two "horseshoe"-type interchanges, nine elevated pedestrian crossings to ensure pedestrian safety, and sidewalks along the entire upgraded section. Furthermore, a new outdoor lighting system will be installed, along with fresh road pavement to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience. This extensive modernization effort is slated for completion by December 2027. Upon finishing, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly improve the flow of goods and people between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, reinforcing the region's economic and logistical capabilities.