ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 21.The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently processing a loan application for a significant infrastructure project in Kazakhstan: the construction of a new toll road designed to bypass the town of Saryagash, located near the border with Uzbekistan, Trend reports.
This project aims to ease traffic congestion, particularly from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) heading toward the border, which currently causes long queues and delays in Saryagash and surrounding villages.
This ambitious initiative, set to improve both traffic flow and environmental conditions, is classified as a Category B project under ADB's 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS). As part of the loan decision process, an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) are being conducted. These assessments evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the project, ensuring compliance with ADB’s sustainability standards. The results of the assessments are publicly available for review on the ADB website.
The proposed 102-kilometer toll road will be a "greenfield" development, passing through agricultural lands that are both intensively cultivated and used for grazing. The road will feature a four-lane highway, along with necessary infrastructure, including junctions, on/off ramps, bridges, underpasses, and a rest area for heavy vehicles near the border crossing point.
This new bypass will provide much-needed relief to local communities by diverting traffic away from Saryagash and surrounding villages, leading to improved air quality and reduced traffic noise. The project offers a solution to the area's long-standing traffic problems, especially during peak periods when traffic congestion has significant environmental and socio-economic impacts.
The IEE report, a key component of the EIAR, identifies potential environmental impacts related to the proposed road alignment and construction activities. The land along the planned route is predominantly used for agriculture. In the northeastern part of the project area (up to approximately kilometer post 60), the land is intensively managed for crop production, with commercial protected crop areas often shielded by polytunnels. These areas are fenced off to prevent grazing by livestock such as sheep and cattle.
While the project is expected to improve overall environmental conditions by alleviating traffic congestion in Saryagash, it also raises concerns about potential disruptions to agricultural activities and grazing lands. However, the project includes comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) to mitigate any adverse effects during both construction and operation phases.
The project will be developed under a Design and Build contract, meaning the final design of the road and its associated features will not be completed until after the loan decision. Nevertheless, the IEE process thoroughly evaluates the potential environmental and social risks associated with the proposed alignment and construction methods, based on regional best practices.
In line with ADB’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, the environmental and social impacts, as well as proposed mitigation measures, will be made publicly available for scrutiny. ADB is actively encouraging local communities and stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Once completed, the toll road is expected to enhance regional connectivity, support local economic development, and significantly improve the quality of life for residents by reducing traffic delays and mitigating environmental degradation in the surrounding areas.
