Heavy Traffic on TEM Highway as Kurban Bayram Holiday Commences
Istanbul, May 22 – As the Kurban Bayram holiday approaches, Istanbul residents planning to spend the 9-day break outside the city have started their journeys, leading to considerable traffic congestion on the Trans-European Motorway (TEM) in both directions on the Anatolian side.
The 9-day Kurban Bayram holiday officially began on Friday, May 22, after working hours. Citizens opting to spend the holiday outside the city, as well as those extending their weekend with the holiday, started departing from Istanbul from the morning hours.
Traffic Intensity Reaches 71 Percent
According to data from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Traffic, the overall traffic density in Istanbul was measured at 71 percent around 5:00 PM. On the Anatolian side, intermittent heavy traffic was observed in both directions around the Çamlıca Toll Booths area of the TEM Highway.
Traffic intensity is expected to increase further as the evening rush hour approaches. Despite the heavy flow, no significant disruptions or accidents have been reported so far, ensuring a relatively smooth, albeit slow, start to the holiday exodus for travelers.
The authorities anticipate that the traffic will remain dense throughout the evening as more people leave the city. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and patience during their travels.
Additional Information
The Kurban Bayram, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious holidays in Turkey, leading to widespread travel across the country as families gather to celebrate. The extended 9-day holiday period allows for longer journeys and contributes to the increased traffic volume on major arteries like the TEM Highway.
Local authorities have implemented measures to manage the increased traffic flow, including additional police presence and traffic control teams. However, the sheer volume of vehicles leaving Istanbul for the holiday makes some level of congestion inevitable.
Citizens are encouraged to check real-time traffic updates before embarking on their journeys and to consider alternative routes if possible. Public transportation services are also expected to see increased usage during the holiday period.
Source: iha.com.tr
