In Kazakhstan, the first kilometers of road pavement have been laid using the international “Superpave” (Superior Performing Asphalt Pavement) technology

This advanced asphalt mix design system takes into account extreme temperatures and heavy traffic loads. In turn, the service life between major repairs can extend up to 20 years, making it especially relevant under the country’s sharply continental climate conditions.

“The need to adopt new solutions is dictated by the current realities of Kazakhstan’s roads. Every year, traffic intensity increases, with rising freight volumes and heavier axle loads. Yet the greatest challenge remains the climate. Kazakhstan is a country with a sharply continental weather pattern, where summer temperatures can soar to +50°C and winter lows can drop to –40°C. Such extremes lead to deformations, cracking, and rutting of pavements built with traditional methods. As a result, frequent repairs are required, driving up road maintenance costs,” experts at the Kazakhstan Road Research Institute (KazdorNII) noted.

The “Superpave” technology provides an effective response to these challenges. It considers local temperature regimes and traffic conditions, while asphalt mix compositions are selected to ensure durability under both scorching heat and severe frost. The adaptation of this method to Kazakhstan’s climate is being carried out by scientists at KazdorNII. From 2024 through June of this year, the Institute’s specialists conducted more than 300 laboratory tests. The results demonstrated that Superpave-designed mixes offer superior resistance to moisture, high temperatures, and repeated loads. At the same time, mix design selection takes only four days instead of 15—provided that the polymer-bitumen binder (PBB) meets the PG grade required for the construction region—thus accelerating the entire process.

To consolidate these new approaches, three national standards were adopted in Kazakhstan last year. In 2025, several more documents are expected, including guidelines for mix design and a PG-based classification of bitumen.

The first pilot kilometers of Superpave pavement have already been laid along the Almaty – Kokpek – Koktal – Khorgos, Otar – Uzynagash, Kapchagay – Kurty, and Kyzylorda – Zhezkazgan routes, as well as on the streets of Astana and the Astana – Shchuchinsk highway.

A roadmap for the implementation of this technology has also been approved. It provides for the trial application of Superpave on three additional road sections, while monitoring of all pilot sites will continue through the end of 2027. Based on the results, a final conclusion will be prepared on the full-scale adoption of the “Superpave” system.

For Kazakhstan, the introduction of “Superpave” holds strategic significance. The technology will enable the construction of roads capable of withstanding both the harsh climate and increasing traffic loads, reduce repair costs, and enhance the overall reliability of the national transport system.