Construction has begun on a traffic tunnel along Almaty Street in Astana's Yesil district. It will become part of a new interchange near the under-construction Presidential Library, reports infohub.kz.
The tunnel is being built near the future Presidential Library. Once completed, it will provide convenient access to the facility, increase the capacity of the road network, and reduce pressure on neighboring thoroughfares.
"The project will not only improve the transport situation but also shape a modern architectural look for the capital—the area above the tunnel will be landscaped with an alley and green spaces," the statement said.
The tunnel will stretch 800 meters and feature four lanes—two in each direction. The clearance height will be 5.5 meters. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The general contractor is Integra Construction KZ LLP, with construction work carried out by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), an international Chinese company specializing in large transport projects. Due to the construction, traffic along Almaty Street will be restricted in stages.
Currently, sections from Akmeshit Street to Turkestan Street and from Akmeshit Street to Sauran Street are closed until the end of the year. Starting August 15, Almaty Street will be fully closed from Mangilik El Avenue to Turkestan Street until the end of the year. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes in advance.
At the construction site, asphalt pavement, street lighting poles, advertising structures, and paving slabs have already been dismantled. Simultaneously, utility lines are being relocated and a sewage system is being installed.
Currently, specialists are drilling and installing bored piles. These will form the foundation for retaining walls that will hold the soil during excavation, allowing work on the main tunnel structure to begin. Additional drilling equipment is being delivered to speed up the work.