Kazakhstan’s First Automobile Tunnel and Largest Bridge to be Completed this Year

As reported  by the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport,  Kazakhstan’s first automobile tunnel through the Shakpak Baba Pass and the country’s largest bridge over the Bukhtarma Reservoir are due for completion by the end of this year.

 All concrete work has been completed and an asphalt road laid  in the Shakpak Baba road tunnel. Lighting has been installed and work is now underway to install video surveillance, lay gas pipes, ventilation, and firefighting equipment.

Development of the country’s longest bridge is likewise on schedule. Around 81% of  the bridge supports has been erected and 17 of the 21 piers have been built.

Regarding progress on both of the ambitious projects, Transport Minister Marat Karabayev announced, “We plan to complete the construction of the country’s first automobile tunnel through the Shakpak Baba Pass by the end of this year. Additionally, we aim to complete the construction of the largest bridge in Kazakhstan over the Bukhtarma Reservoir. The total length of the two-lane road bridge across the Bukhtarma reservoir near the village of Kuigan in East Kazakhstan region will be 1,316 meters.”