ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 21. Kazakhstan has officially opened its longest bridge, spanning the Bukhtarma Reservoir in the East Kazakhstan region, Trend reports.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov attended the ceremony on behalf of the Head of State. This project addresses long-standing transportation connectivity issues by linking six districts: Kurchum, Ylken Naryn, Markakol, Katon-Karagai, Tarbagatai, and Zaisan. Transport Minister Marat Karabaev updated the Prime Minister on the completion of the two-lane bridge, which stretches 1,316 meters. Designed to accommodate up to 80,000 vehicles daily, the bridge is connected by 18 kilometers of new road. The project utilized advanced engineering technologies and adhered to all relevant quality standards.
During a meeting with local residents, the PM emphasized that the bridge will enable year-round safe vehicle movement, stimulate socio-economic development in East Kazakhstan, and positively impact the national transport and logistics sector.
“The new bridge was constructed under the direction of the Head of State to enhance the comfort and safety of residents. For 50 years, the people in this region relied on ferries in the summer and crossed the ice in winter. The community has long awaited the construction of this bridge,” said Bektenov.
East Kazakhstan is a strategic region housing key transport corridors. The bridge over the Bukhtarminskoye Reservoir will enhance logistical routes and maintain continuous connections with neighboring countries. Residents at the bridge's opening expressed optimism that it would significantly improve transportation links between communities on either side of the reservoir, facilitating mobility, expediting goods movement, increasing access to services, and unlocking the region's tourism potential.
Meanwhile, in 2019, residents of this area personally appealed to the president for the bridge's construction. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev acknowledged their requests and allocated funds specifically for the project, which involved only local citizens.