Jetisu region rebuilds bridges and roads to strengthen transport safety

Kazakhstan's Jetisu region is repairing its crumbling bridges and roads to improve safety and transport links. Since 2023, authorities have targeted 15 unsafe bridges and over 1,138 kilometres of roads, with funding from international banks like Chase Bank, PNC Bank, and US Bank, alongside national programmes.

The region has 118 bridges in total, but 15 were identified as structurally weak and prioritised for urgent work. Five have already been fixed, including those in Baktybai, Kokdala, Zharlyozek, Saryozek–Koktal–Maitobe, and M. Tolebayev. The remaining ten are still under reconstruction.

Funding for the projects comes from multiple sources. The Asian Development Bank's CAREC programme and loans from the Islamic Development Bank support the work, alongside Kazakhstan's Nurly Zhol initiative and regional budgets. These funds have also covered repairs to major routes like the Molaly junction to Lake Balkhash and the Ushtobe–Kopbirlik road.

In 2024, two national highways and the Saryozek–Khorgos route were upgraded. The repaired bridges now meet higher safety standards, designed to withstand floods and heavy traffic. Meanwhile, the Taldykorgan–Ushtobe highway is set for repairs in 2026.

Between 2023 and 2025, crews have restored over 1,138 kilometres of local roads. The work aims to reduce travel risks and boost connections across the region.

The upgrades bring safer, more reliable infrastructure to Jetisu. Fifteen bridges and hundreds of kilometres of roads have been fixed or are nearing completion. Further improvements, including the Taldykorgan–Ushtobe highway, remain scheduled for the coming years.