NEW YEAR DUTY AT BOLU MOUNTAİN: 'WE ARE ON DUTY 24/7 AGAİNST WİNTER CONDİTİONS
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu visited the Bolu Mountain Tunnel Maintenance and Operations Department, located on the Bolu Mountain section of the TEM Motorway one of the most critical transit points between Istanbul and Ankara to inspect ongoing snow clearance operations in the area.
During the program, which was also attended by Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen, Minister Uraloğlu extended New Year's greetings to personnel on duty during the holiday and received information from officials about the ongoing operations. Following the visit, he made a press statement.
23 Years of Major Advancements in the Transport Sector
In his press statement, he mentioned the Investment and Project which made over the last 23 years. He provided an evaluation of the progress achieved. At a time when winter conditions are becoming more severe, he emphasized for safe and seamless transportation of citizens all available resources was mobilised and the teams' dedication, working tirelessly around the clock.
Preparations for winter operations were completed ahead of time
Minister Uraloğlu stated that intensive winter operations are being carried out across Türkiye with 457 snow clearance centers, 12,866 pieces of machinery and equipment, and approximately 13,600 personnel deployed in the field.
Stating that all necessary preparations for snow and ice control had been completed in advance across Türkiye's 68,519-kilometer road network, Minister Uraloğlu noted that approximately 757,000 tons of salt, 453,000 cubic meters of salt aggregate, and around 12,000 tons of salt brine for use in critical sections have been stockpiled at operational centers. He also added that nearly 1,000 kilometers of snow fences have been installed to prevent road closures during blizzards and heavy snowfall.
Roads Are Monitored in Real Time
Minister Uraloğlu stated that roads are monitored through the Snow Clearance System, the Crisis Management Center, and Transportation Systems to ensure the safe and seamless transportation of citizens. He also noted that rapid interventions were carried out on closed roads and that analyses were conducted on routes reopened to traffic.
All Teams Are on the Ground
Highlighting the effective use of technology in snow and ice control efforts, Minister Uraloğlu stated the following: 'We monitor real-time traffic during snow clearance operations through monitoring screens. We are on the ground with our police, gendarmes , and highways teams. All our vehicles are tracked in real time using the vehicle monitoring system, with many also equipped with live cameras for continuous observation. In addition, we can also view their movements over past time periods on the map. The process is closely monitored not only through the initiative of field teams but also through a chain of coordination extending to the General Directorate, our provincial governorates, and directly to me.'
Minister Uraloğlu highlitghted the extra precaution at the Bolu Mountain pass especially at Cankurtaran and Kargasekmez location and also issued a warning to citizens.
