Almaty-Kaskelen highway to be expanded to eight lanes; work to begin July 20

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has ordered the immediate commencement of the Almaty-Kaskelen highway expansion project, responding to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to address severe traffic congestion. Residents of Almaty and surrounding areas have voiced significant complaints about the heavy traffic on this crucial route.

"The President has ordered an immediate start to the road expansion project," Bektenov stated, emphasizing that contractors must mobilize equipment and personnel by the end of this week, with construction work slated to begin on Monday, July 20. He stressed the importance of high-quality execution within the shortest possible timeframe and confirmed that the project's cost would remain fixed.

The 8-kilometer expansion will widen the highway to eight lanes and include the construction of two interchanges and nine pedestrian overpasses. The project, scheduled for completion by December 2027, is expected to double the road's throughput capacity. Currently, the Almaty-Kaskelen highway handles approximately 60,000 vehicles daily, contributing to a total daily traffic volume exceeding one million vehicles in the Almaty agglomeration, which includes internal city traffic.

In addition to this major expansion, the meeting reviewed other transport infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity between Almaty and its region. These include modernizing the Almaty-Esik and Almaty-Talgar roads, constructing an alternative route from Uzynagash village, and extending Abay Avenue to the Big Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD). Development of rail transport and the Almaty Metro also remains ongoing.

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The Head of State noted the complaints from residents of Almaty and nearby settlements regarding the heavy congestion on the Almaty–Kaskelen road. The President has ordered an immediate start to the road expansion project. The contractor must mobilize equipment and personnel by the end of this week. Construction work is to begin on Monday, July 20. The Head of State's instructions must be carried out with high quality and within the shortest possible timeframe.