Istanbul, February 23, 2026 – The first workday of the week in Istanbul began with substantial traffic congestion across the city. Commuters faced delays on various routes due to a combination of factors including minor accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and ongoing road construction projects.
Traffic Hotspots Across Istanbul
The congestion was particularly notable on both the Anatolian and European sides of the city. On the Anatolian side, traffic began in Tuzla on the D-100 highway and extended all the way to the entrance of the Avrasya Tunnel. The TEM Highway also saw heavy traffic starting from Sancaktepe, continuing to the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. Towards the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, congestion stretched from Ataşehir to the bridge entrance.
On the European side, vehicles moved slowly on the D-100 highway between Şişli and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in both directions. Other heavily affected areas on the D-100 included Avcılar, Küçükçekmece, Zeytinburnu, Edirnekapı, Haliç Bridge, Okmeydanı, and Mecidiyeköy.
The TEM Highway experienced traffic from Esenler to the Vatan Street entrance, while vehicles advanced slowly from Gaziosmanpaşa to Seyrantepe. Traffic starting from the Haramidere TEM Highway connection road continued up to the Mahmutbey toll booths.
Public Transportation Also Affected
In addition to road traffic, public transportation hubs also saw significant crowds. Commuters heading to work and school in the morning formed queues at tram, metro, bus, and metrobus stops. Major transfer centers such as Zincirlikuyu, Cevizlibağ, Uzunçayır, and Altunizade were particularly congested, with citizens having to wait at the stops.
Overall Traffic Density Reaches 62 Percent
According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Mobile Traffic Map, the overall traffic density across the city reached 62 percent in the morning hours. The Anatolian side recorded a higher congestion level of 72 percent, while the European side experienced 56 percent density.
Causes of the Congestion
Officials attributed the widespread traffic to several factors. Minor accidents occurring in various regions contributed to localized slowdowns, as did vehicle breakdowns that temporarily blocked lanes. Furthermore, ongoing road construction and maintenance work in key areas reduced road capacity, exacerbating the congestion during peak commute hours.
Authorities advise drivers to check real-time traffic updates before commencing their journeys and to consider using alternative routes or public transportation where possible to alleviate the pressure on the road network. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Istanbul, a megacity with a rapidly growing population and a complex transportation infrastructure.
Source: ensondakika.com.tr
