Potholes, markings, and signs - unified warranty rules introduced for Kazakhstan's roads for the first time

Tengrinews.kz — For the first time, Kazakhstan has approved unified requirements for the operation and repair of city roads, citing the Ministry of Transport.

The new departmental regulations were developed by the Kazakhstan Road Research Institute (KazdorNII). The document specifies how urban roads must be maintained, which elements fall under warranty, and how contractors are required to rectify identified defects.

The document establishes uniform rules not only for road surfaces but for all urban road infrastructure, including bridges, signage, markings, lighting, barriers, and curbs.

Roads to be protected with an additional layer

One of the primary innovations concerns road repairs. During construction, reconstruction, and major or medium repairs, the installation of a protective wear layer.

This top coating absorbs the main impact from traffic, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations.

When it wears down, replacing it is simpler and more cost-effective than a full replacement of the pavement structure. This approach is expected to reduce cracking and rutting while extending the overall service life of the surface.

Post-completion monitoring for contractors

Another change involves contractor oversight. Their responsibility does not end once the project is handed over; the regulations mandate scheduled road inspections throughout the warranty period.

If defects are discovered, the contracting organization must rectify them under their warranty obligations.

The document also defines rules for winter street maintenance. De-icing materials must comply with national standards.

Meanwhile, the use of sodium chloride—common technical salt—remains permitted.

International experience in road repair

Germany

In Germany, road repair quality is monitored according to strict technical standards. If defects are found after project delivery, the contractor is obliged to fix them at their own expense. Failure to do so leads to litigation, fines, and the risk of being blacklisted.

Contractors are also required to build roads with a mandatory warranty of 2 to 5 years.

Companies responsible for systematic defects are entered into a registry of unscrupulous suppliers and barred from public procurement.

Japan

In Japan, the state customer evaluates repair quality upon completion. If a contractor receives a low rating, it becomes significantly harder for them to win future tenders.

For serious violations or refusal to rectify defects, a company can be suspended from participating in public procurement for several months or even years.

The United States

In the US, a federal body oversees the quality of roadwork. Additionally, before starting work, a contractor is required to purchase a warranty bond from an insurance company.

If the road deteriorates within 1–3 years (the standard warranty period) and the firm refuses to repair it or goes bankrupt, the insurance company pays the state for the repairs.