Extreme Heat Damages Major Highway in Southern Kazakhstan

Extreme heat caused concrete slabs to buckle on a major highway in the Turkestan Region, Orda.kz reports. The road links Kazakhstan’s borders with Russia and China through Aktobe, Kyzylorda, Shymkent and Almaty.

The damage occurred on July 16 at kilometer 2,243, between Shymkent and Turkestan. KAZHservice employees discovered the damaged joint between the concrete slabs during a road inspection.

Kazhydromet had issued a weather warning as temperatures in the Turkestan Region reached 44°C.

Road officials said the highway surface can heat up to 70°C in such weather, while heavy traffic adds further pressure. As the concrete slabs expand, stress builds up inside the road structure and can cause them to buckle.

Road workers placed temporary signs around the damaged section and brought equipment to the site. Repairs are underway, and officials said the road will fully reopen as soon as possible.

Original author: Eva Golovintseva

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