Why is traffic closed during road works?
Temporary restrictions or a complete closure of traffic on a section where road works are being carried out is a necessary measure aimed at ensuring road safety and the high-quality execution of repairs.
During repairs, road machinery, specialized equipment, and work crews operate on the roadway. Traffic moving near the work site increases the risk of road accidents and poses a threat to the life and health of workers. Therefore, vehicle access to the section under repair is temporarily restricted or halted.
In addition to safety concerns, traffic closure is necessary to comply with repair technology. When removing the old pavement, laying new asphalt, compacting it, and allowing it to cool, the road surface must remain free from vehicle load. If traffic is opened before the required time, the pavement may become deformed, leading to the formation of ruts, cracks, subsidence, and other defects. As a result, the service life of the road will be shortened, and the need for repeated repairs will arise much sooner.
The possibility of temporarily restricting or halting traffic is provided for by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 17, 2014, No. 194-V "On Road Traffic." The law permits the introduction of such measures during repair work if it is necessary to ensure the safety of road users. In simple terms, if carrying out repairs without traffic restrictions creates a danger to people or may lead to a deterioration in the quality of work, the authorized bodies have the right to temporarily change the traffic pattern.
Furthermore, the organization of road works is carried out in compliance with the requirements of regulatory documents in the field of highways and road safety, which provide for the installation of temporary road signs, barriers, warning devices, and other traffic management means.
The decision to fully or partially close traffic is made individually for each facility, taking into account traffic intensity, road category, and the nature of the work being performed. Where technically feasible, repairs are carried out in stages, with some lanes remaining open to traffic. If it is not possible to ensure safety and work quality in this manner, the section is temporarily closed completely.
To minimize inconvenience, detour routes are developed in advance, temporary road signs are installed, and information about the timing of the work is published through mass media, official internet resources, and the social media pages of government agencies.