Traffic congestion in Astana: what solution does the city's mayor propose?

During a press conference at the Central Communications Service, the mayor stated that traffic jams in the capital are forming in the direction of the bridges, which drivers use to travel from one bank to the other. Meanwhile, the city administration is actively constructing bridges, and there are currently 9 bridges in Astana.

"First and foremost, we need to increase the number of bridges that will connect the two banks of the river. Currently, such construction is being planned. Over the past 3-4 years, the Uly Dala bridge and the Tауelsіzdіk bridge were put into operation last year. This has significantly alleviated certain traffic flows on Mangilik El and Turan. Last year, we opened Chingiz Aitmatov Street up to Uly Dala. This work will continue, existing roads will be expanded, and the number of bridges and public transport will increase," the mayor explained.

Kasymbek also noted that the akimat plans to make two major streets, Akmeshіt and Turkіstan, in Astana one-way.

"For the residents of that area, this is very convenient. When moving, for example, from south to north on Turkіstan, the left side runs parallel, allowing for right-hand traffic towards Bayterek. This is normal. Stops will be made on the right side - where there is residential and commercial development. Akmeshіt will go in the opposite direction - one-way. We are currently calculating with specialists. This significantly simplifies the transportation scheme. If there were structures on the right side, near the Line Park, then there would be complaints. Given that a green zone remains in the middle, there are no complaints," said Zhenis Kasymbek.

The capital's mayor assured that the akimat will create a maximally comfortable infrastructure to encourage residents to switch to public transport. The launch of the LRT, planned for 2026, will help ease road congestion. The head of Astana assured that the fare for the LRT will be reasonable.