By order of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a new road bypassing the Terensai (Osinovka) Pass and a bridge built across the Pikhtovka River have been opened in the East Kazakhstan Region. This project will enhance road safety in the region and improve transport links between settlements.
Steep mountain slopes, a deep gorge, and challenging natural conditions were among the greatest obstacles during road construction. The new bridge, built under such conditions, is a concrete result of advanced engineering solutions. Spanning the Pikhtovka River, the 175-meter-long bridge is located 45 meters above the gorge.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlybek Nalibayev, who arrived in the region on behalf of the Head of the Government, Akim of the East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov, and Chairman of the Management Board of "NC "QazAvtoJol" JSC Darkhan Imanashev.
"The Head of State pays special attention to the quality of roads and the development of transport infrastructure. The implementation of his instructions must yield tangible results for the people—namely, increased road safety and shorter travel times between settlements. The new bypass road allows motorists to avoid the winding mountain pass. For the East Kazakhstan Region, with its vast distances and harsh winters, this is of utmost importance," said First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev.
For many years, the Terensai Pass has been one of the most challenging road sections for drivers. Particularly in winter, snowstorms and black ice complicate traffic and frequently lead to temporary travel restrictions on vehicles. The sharp turns and steep inclines of the pass also demand exceptional caution from drivers.
Now, vehicles heading in this direction will travel along the new road. The nearly 12-kilometer-long bypass allows motorists to bypass the pass without having to navigate the dangerous serpentine road. The new route will not only shorten travel times, but also help reduce the risk of traffic accidents, ensure the stability of passenger and freight transport, and prevent traffic disruptions during adverse weather conditions. Thus, travel between Oskemen and the Altay, Ulken Naryn, and Katon-Karagay districts will become much easier.
"At the core of the policy pursued by the Head of State is the task of improving the quality of life of the people and creating favorable conditions in cities and villages. The opening of this road is a concrete step in this direction. Residents of East Kazakhstan know all too well how difficult it was to cross the Terensai Pass, especially with all the road troubles in winter. Therefore, this new route has been eagerly anticipated. People will use this road to get to their homes, work, and relatives, and to transport various goods. For us, the most important thing is that such trips are safe and comfortable," said Akim of the East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov.
The construction of the bypass road was carried out by "NC "QazAvtoJol" JSC as part of the program for the development and modernization of public roads of national significance. Meanwhile, the construction of the bridge across the Pikhtovka River was one of the most critical stages of the road construction project.
"The most complex section within the project was the construction of the bridge across the Pikhtovka River. Its length is 175 meters, and its height above the gorge is 45 meters. The structure consists of seven spans and eight piers. The terrain and geological features of the gorge required special engineering solutions. To ensure the reliability of the facility and the safety of traffic, challenging natural conditions were taken into account during construction," said Darkhan Imanashev, Chairman of the Management Board of "NC "QazAvtoJol" JSC.
The commissioning of the new road will also make the journey to the Bukhtarma Reservoir, the Katon-Karagay State National Natural Park, and the "Rahman Kainary" (Rachmanov Springs) resort much more convenient. This is expected to help increase the number of tourists visiting the picturesque places of the region. Most importantly, the improvement of road infrastructure will facilitate access to remote settlements and foster the strengthening of economic and social ties in East Kazakhstan.
The opening of Kazakhstan's highest road bridge is a major infrastructural event for East Kazakhstan. Erected in complex terrain, the bridge will now offer drivers a safe route and take transport links in the region to a new level.
Source: Mayor office of East Kazakhstan region
Translated by VisitEastKZ.
