ÇORUM'S CHALLENGING PASSAGE BECOMES HISTORY: KIRKDILIM TUNNELS AND ÇORUM-LAÇIN ROAD OPENED
The Çorum-Laçin road and Kırkdilim Tunnels that will strengthen transport infrastructure of Çorum, were opened to traffic with the participation by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that the project has significantly improved the transport standard of the region. Uraloğlu stated that, since 2002, more than 93 billion lira has been invested in Çorum's transport and communication infrastructure, adding that the length of divided roads has been increased from 59 kilometres to 408 kilometres, while the length of bituminous hot mix (BSK) surfaced roads has been expanded from 59 kilometres to 479 kilometres.
A Major Transformation on a Key Route
Uraloğlu stated that the project, located on a key transport corridor extending from Sinop in the north to the Mediterranean via Central Anatolia, is of strategic importance for regional transportation, and announced that the Çorum–Laçin section of the Çorum–Laçin–Osmancık Road has been opened to traffic.
Uraloğlu stated that the Kırkdilim passage, which constitutes the most critical section of the project and is known for its challenging terrain, has been transformed into a modern transport corridor with three separate tunnels. 'We have virtually turned this difficult terrain into a flat and safe road,' he said.
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that with the T-1 Tunnel, 1,389 metres in length, the T-2 Tunnel, 1,157 metres in length, and the T-3 Tunnel, 1,553 metres in length, constructed along the route, the Kırkdilim passage has been made safe and comfortable through a divided road and tunnel standard.
Travel Time Cut by 50%
Uraloğlu stated that, with the new road and tunnel project, the route previously known for its sharp bends and hazardous structure has been completely transformed. He added that risks such as landslides, rockfalls, and slope failures have been largely eliminated.
Uraloğlu stated that, thanks to the project, travel time along the 25-kilometre section has been reduced from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. He announced that the project will generate annual savings of 418 million lira, including 350 million lira from time savings and 68 million lira from fuel savings.
Uraloğlu also stated that carbon emissions will be reduced by 3,420 tonnes annually, highlighting the project's environmental benefits.
Uraloğlu stated that the Çorum–Laçin Road and the Kırkdilim Tunnels will not only facilitate transportation, but also strengthen inter-district connectivity and make significant contributions to trade, tourism, and agricultural production.
With the new investment, access to Çorum's historical and gastronomic values is expected to become faster and safer, while also aiming to accelerate the region's economic and social development.
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Safer and Faster Transportation in the Kırkdilim Area
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen emphasized that Çorum, with its deep-rooted history as one of the important centres of civilizations, is a critical transit point connecting Central Anatolia to the Black Sea due to its strategic location, and stated that the implemented project has further strengthened this role.
Gülşen stated that the Çorum–Laçin–Osmancık Road, designed with a total length of 50.4 kilometres, has seen the opening of its 25-kilometre Çorum–Laçin section to traffic. He noted that within the scope of the project, three tunnels with a total length of 4,100 metres have been constructed. He added that, by bypassing the Kırkdilim section, which poses risks for drivers particularly during winter months, a safer and faster transport route has been provided.
Director General Gülşen added that, with the full commissioning of the project, a new connection from Çorum to the D-100 State Road will be established.
