A large-scale project for road safety audits and inspections using modern international approaches to road infrastructure assessment has been launched in the West Kazakhstan and Mangystau regions. Kazakhstan Highway Research Institute JSC (KazDorNII) has begun a comprehensive assessment of more than 2,400 kilometers of regional roads.

📌 The project will cover 2,414 kilometers of regional roads, including 1,384 kilometers in the West Kazakhstan Region and 1,030 kilometers in the Mangystau Region. The primary objective is to identify road sections where infrastructure characteristics may require additional measures to improve road safety.

Unlike conventional inspections, a road safety audit provides a comprehensive evaluation of road infrastructure. Specialists assess road geometry, sight distance, pavement condition, road markings, traffic signs, safety barriers, shoulders, pedestrian crossings, public transport stops, intersections, and access points, identifying locations where additional engineering measures may be needed.

During the project, KazDorNII applies international best practices in road infrastructure safety management. The methodology is based on the experience of the Czech Republic, developed with the participation of the Transport Research Centre CDV (Centrum dopravního výzkumu, Brno), one of Europe's leading research institutions in the field of transport safety.

KazDorNII cooperates with the Czech institute under an existing memorandum of understanding that provides for the exchange of expertise, specialist training, and the implementation of joint projects. CDV experts contributed to the implementation of the European Union Directive 2008/96/EC on Road Infrastructure Safety Management in the Czech Republic and to the training of road safety auditors.

The assessment is being carried out using a state-of-the-art mobile road laboratory. The specialized diagnostic system automatically measures pavement roughness, rut depth, and generates a digital surface model of the road. It also detects cracks, potholes, settlements, and other pavement defects while continuously capturing photo and video data of the road infrastructure.

Based on the survey results, engineering recommendations will be prepared for each road section requiring additional safety measures. All identified infrastructure features will be georeferenced. Upon completion of the project, a unified digital database and a map of priority road sections requiring attention in road safety planning will be created.

According to the specialists, applying international best practices enables a shift from addressing isolated infrastructure deficiencies to a systematic assessment of factors affecting road safety. This approach is widely used worldwide and supports more effective engineering decision-making in the development, maintenance, and operation of road networks.