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THE HISTORICAL GEDIZ BRIDGE WAS RESTORED AND REOPENED TO TRAFFIC

The Historical Gediz Bridge, one of the most significant structures of the Republic preiod and located on Gediz River in the Menemen district of İzmir, was reopened to traffic with an opening ceremony. At the ceremony attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and General Director of Highways Ahmet Gülşen, it was emphasized that the bridge, which has saw the region's transportation, social and cultural life for nearly a century, would be preserved for future generations through the restoration.

“We preserve the traces of Anatolia"

Speaking at the ceremony Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that Anatolia is a unique treasure bearing the traces of thousands of years of civilizations, and noted that historical structures from different periods constitute the common heritage of Anatolia.

Uraloğlu noted that Izmir is one of the significant centers of this heritage, with its ancient history dating back thousands of years and emphasized that the Historical Gediz Bridge saw area's social, economic and cultural history for nearly a century.

Uraloğlu stated that they took pride in restoring the bridge in accordance with its original from and reopening it to service, emphasizing that preserving cultural values and embracing the past is important for future generations to build their future on a sound foundation.

Uraloğlu remarked that as a Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, they do not build only roads, bridges, railways and ports, but also preserve the traces of these lands. Minister Uraloğlu noted that efforts were ongoing to restore historical structures in accordance with their original form and preserve them for future generations, adding that these structures serve purposes beyond being merely physical buildings, contributing to tourism and trade while also strengthening cultural identity.

Uraloğlu remarked that the restoration of 532 historical bridges across Türkiye had been completed to preserve them as part of the cultural heritage, adding that restoration works were ongoing on 48 historical bridges.

The Historical Gediz Bridge was strengthened through extensive restoration works

Uraloğlu stated that the Historical Gediz Bridge had deteriorated over time due to natural factors, heavy use and wear, adding that the General Directorate of Highways had restored and strengthened the bridge, addressing the damage it had sustained.

Minister Uraloğlu stated that the works related to the bridge lighting had also been completed in accordance with the approved project, noting that, as a result of the works, the structure had regained a functional identity both technically and aesthetically.

Uraloğlu stated that the restoration had strengthened the Historical Gediz Bridge's contribution to the historical fabric of Menemen and İzmir, adding that the structure had brought a new dimension to the region's tourism and cultural value, as well as its transportation infrastructure.

“It was preserved for future generations while retaining its original character"

Speaking at the ceremony Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen stated that the Historical Gediz Bridge was built 166.5 meters long and consist of 5 spans, addind that the reinforced concrete arch system above reflected the original engineering solutions of the period in which the structure was built.

Gülşen noted that the damage sustained by the bridge over time had been repaired as part of the restoration works carried out, adding that the necessary repair and strengthening works had been carried out on the arches, deck, tie beams and wind beams, as well as the concrete piers.

Emphasizing that the restoration works had preserved the Historical Gediz Bridge's original character, Gülşen noted that the restoration had ensured that the bridge would be preserved for future generations.