SARIYER-KILYOS TUNNEL WILL EASE ISTANBUL'S TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu paid a site visit to the Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel and Link Road, one of the most significant highway projects set to strengthen Istanbul's transportation infrastructure in the northern part of the city, in order to review the latest stage reached in the Project, Minister Uraloğlu made a press statement after the inspection, accompanied by Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen and committee members.
Tunnel works are progressing rapidly with 191 pieces of machinery and 914 personnel
Uraloğlu mentioned details about the Project, and said 'Our Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel Project, constructed as a twin-tube tunnel with a total of four lanes (two lanes in each direction) and a bituminous hot mix pavement, spans approximately 7 kilometers. Including the connection roads, the total length of the project reaches 8.2 kilometers. The project starts from the exit of the Sarıyer Çayırbaşı Tunnel and concludes at the Uskumruköy modern rotary interchange, which was built as part of the Northern Marmara Motorway. Within the scope of the project, we are constructing a total of two grade-separated interchanges (Sarıyer Interchange and Kilyos Interchange), one viaduct, two cut-and-cover structures, and one culvert.'
Minister Uraloğlu stated that, in order to complete the construction of the Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel as quickly as possible, excavation works are being carried out simultaneously using both the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method. He recalled that TBM excavation works began in December 2024, and noted that out of the total twin-tube length of 13,715 meters, 10,374 meters have been completed, corresponding to approximately 76%.
He added that the works continue uninterrupted 24/7 with 191 pieces of machinery and equipment and 914 personnel, and emphasized that the project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Travel time will be reduced from thirty-five minutes to five minutes with the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel
Minister Uraloğlu stated that, through the Çayırbaşı and Kilyos tunnels, the project will directly connect Istanbul's major business and financial centers, such as Maslak, Levent, Beşiktaş, and Büyükdere Avenue, to the Northern Marmara Motorway. He added that this will also accelerate and strengthen the connection between Istanbul Airport and the city's business hubs.
He further noted that residents of northern Istanbul neighborhoods, including Kilyos, Demirciköy, Uskumruköy, Gümüşdere, Zekeriyaköy, and Kısırkaya, will be able to reach the city's central areas easily via the tunnels. This, in turn, is expected to further boost summer tourism activities in northern Istanbul. Most importantly, the project will provide rapid access to the Northern Marmara Motorway, which serves as a critical emergency and evacuation route in the event of a major disaster.
Emphasizing the critical importance of transportation in all situations, Minister Uraloğlu noted the significance of the Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel project for Istanbul, which will ensure the fastest and safest integration with the Northern Marmara Motorway. He stated that, thanks to the project, travel time will be reduced from 35 minutes to 5 minutes, generating annual savings of 3.3 billion lira, including 2.8 billion lira in time and 500 million lira in fuel costs. In addition, vehicle carbon emissions are expected to decrease by 32,000 tons.
The Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel and the 8th section of the Northern Marmara Motorway will help ease Istanbul's traffic congestion
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the Sarıyer–Kilyos Tunnel for transportation integration in Istanbul, Minister Uraloğlu also provided updates on the Nakkaş–Başakşehir section, which constitutes the 8th and final segment of the Northern Marmara Motorway, noting that it will significantly ease Istanbul's traffic.
“As is known, the Nakkaş–Başakşehir section spans a total of 45 kilometers, including 24.2 kilometers of mainline and 20.8 kilometers of connection roads. The project route begins at the Nakkaş Interchange, previously completed under the Northern Marmara Motorway Kınalı–Odayeri Project, and runs eastward, passing north of the Yeşilbayır, Deliklikaya, and Hadımköy settlements. It then continues over the Sazlıdere Bridge, built south of the Sazlıdere Dam, before connecting to the Başakşehir Interchange. Upon completion, the project will help relieve traffic on the TEM Motorway and facilitate access to Başakşehir, Çam Sakura City Hospital, and the Olympic Stadium."
