Kazakhstan, Astana, June 20 / Trend, D. Mukhtarov /
The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kazakhstan is going to increase the permissible axle weight for trucks in Astana on Shchuchinsk Highway to 11.5 tons, the ministry stated on Thursday.
"This decision was made in connection with the introduction of tolls on the highway, as well as its good condition. An increased permissible load will allow carriers to increase the volume of cargo traffic without paying any additional fees or penalties," the statement says.
The new rule will take effect after amendments to the existing legislation are passed.
Currently, the national roads' permissible axle load for trucks is 10 tons. Moreover, there are also additional restrictions in the spring and summer. This is due to the fact that in these seasons the road surface is most vulnerable due to changes in weather conditions: in the spring pavement strength is reduced by meltwater, and in the summer by high temperatures.
According to the Chairman of the Motorroads Committee Zamira Saginova, considering the high quality of important roads under construction, it is planned to increase in the future the axle load capacity for trucks to 11.5 tons on other newly commissioned roads as well.