Kazakhstan, Astana, Dec. 19th / Trend, D. Mukhtarov /
The 800-kilometer section of the Western Europe-Western China road will be opened in 2013, said Transport and Communications Minister Askar Zhumagaliyev during a briefing at the Central Communications Service under the President of Kazakhstan.
"New surface was applied to 800 kilometers of the Western Europe-Western China road. We paved more than we planned. Next year, we expect to pave another 706 kilometers. We plan to complete construction of and open an 806 kilometers long section of the road next year, and launch work on the sections connecting Shymkent to the border at Zhambyl and also Shymkent-Tashkent, "Askar Zhumagaliyev said.
He said 35,000 construction workers, 33 cement concrete and 31 asphalt concrete plants, 21 general contractors and 66 subcontractors were involved in the implementation of the Western Europe-Western China project, and 4,500 units of technology were used.
"This year, repairs totaled 4,200 kilometers of road. Some 960 kilometers were reconstructed, 65 kilometers were renovated, most repairs were carried out on a 1,093 kilometers long section of road. As a result, traffic was opened on a 2,100 kilometer long section, in particular, on the Kokshetau-Petropavlovsk, Omsk-Maikapshagai, Astana-Kostanay and Aktobe-Uralsk roads, "Askar Zhumagaliyev said.
The minister added that construction work will cover 4,600 kilometers next year, and 2,200 kilometers will be opened to traffic, in particular, on the Taskesken-Bakhty, and Almaty-Ust-Kamenogorsk sections. He also said that reconstruction projects on the Astana Temirtau, Almaty- Kapshagay, and Almaty-Khorgos, Shetpe-Aktau roads will be launched next year.
