Authorities in Almaty have begun the next phase of construction for the first light rail transit (LRT) line, dismantling 165 old tram contact network poles on Tole Bi Street. The work may cause temporary disruptions to power supply, communications, and internet access, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Almaty city administration, the work is being carried out on the section from Momyshuly Street to Zharokova Street in the eastern direction. The existing poles, which previously served the tram line, will be removed and replaced with new decorative street lighting poles.
The administration noted that the old poles currently carry overhead power lines, communication networks, internet provider cables, advertising structures, and other utilities. Some owners or operating organizations of these networks have yet to be identified.
In response, notifications have been sent to telecom operators, internet providers, utility companies, and other owners of engineering networks, urging them to relocate or rearrange their utilities. "However, some owners have not yet completed the necessary work or have not been identified. To prevent damage to utility networks and possible interruptions to power supply, communications, and internet access, the Traffic Management Center again appeals to all owners and operating organizations to dismantle or relocate their networks on the specified section by July 24, 2026 inclusive," the administration warned.
Starting July 25, construction and installation work will begin on this section, including the removal of 165 existing contact network poles and the installation of new lighting poles. After completion, the project does not provide for the reinstallation of overhead lines on the new poles.