Extreme conditions challenge construction of Kyrgyzstan's Barskoon-Badel road

The construction of the Barskoon-Badel highway in Kyrgyzstan is underway, navigating what engineers describe as extreme conditions. The route traverses altitudes exceeding four thousand meters, permafrost, glaciers, avalanche-prone zones, complex geological formations, and a limited construction season.

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On one hand, we were impressed by the majestic, but very harsh nature of these places. On the other hand, we immediately saw how much people need a safe and reliable transport corridor.

The project spans approximately 161 kilometers, with a significant portion, around 110 kilometers, lying above the 3,000-meter mark. Hou Huxiang, head of the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) involved in the project, shared insights into the challenges and the project's importance.

Huxiang described the dual impression of the region's majestic yet harsh nature and the urgent need for a safe transport corridor. He recalled an early visit to the Karasai River, where a washed-out bridge forced locals to cross the fast, cold water in vehicles, often getting stuck. This experience underscored the profound impact the road would have on residents' lives, providing safe passage for children, essential goods, and medical emergencies.

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For a builder, it might just be a bridge or a few kilometers of road, but for local residents, it's an opportunity to get home safely, send children to school, transport agricultural products, and get someone to the hospital. This is a completely different level of responsibility.

A key engineering challenge is building on permafrost, where fluctuating temperatures can cause uneven thawing, leading to ground subsidence, cracks, and road deformation. To combat this, detailed geological surveys are conducted, and thermal insulation boards, ventilation pipes, and other solutions are employed to maintain the ground's frozen state. Pre-stressed tubular piles are also used in some sections to enhance foundation stability, with continuous deformation monitoring during construction.

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The main problem with permafrost is the cycles of freezing and thawing. If the ground begins to thaw unevenly, the road surface can subside, and cracks and deformations appear.

Huxiang identified the Sook and Ashu tunnels as the most complex structures on the route. The project's successful completion promises to create a vital transportation link, improving connectivity and safety in this high-altitude region of Kyrgyzstan.

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Therefore, detailed geological studies are first conducted. Depending on the thickness of the permafrost and the ice content, thermal insulation boards, ventilation pipes, and other engineering solutions are used, which should reduce heat transfer to the road base and keep the ground frozen.