Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel Project Nears Completion: Travel Time Cut to 5 Minutes
Istanbul, February 7 – The Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel project in Istanbul is on track for completion this year, promising to reduce travel time between Sarıyer and Kilyos from 35 minutes to a mere 5 minutes. This significant infrastructure development, announced by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, is expected to yield annual savings of 4 billion Turkish Liras, comprising 3.3 billion Liras from time saved and 700 million Liras from fuel efficiency.
TBM Excavation Completed, Project Set for 2026 Finish
Minister Uraloğlu spoke at the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel Project TBM Excavation Completion Ceremony, expressing his pride in the milestone achieved. The project marks the first instance of the General Directorate of Highways utilizing a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for road tunnel construction. This TBM, with a diameter of 13.65 meters, is the third largest in Turkey, following those used in the Eurasia Tunnel and the T-1 Tunnel of the Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Train Line.
Uraloğlu highlighted the challenges of constructing roads and tunnels in Turkey’s predominantly mountainous and rugged terrain, noting that such projects necessitate meticulous attention to ground surveys, excavation methods, logistics, and safety measures. Despite these difficulties, the country’s growing economy, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand for improved transport infrastructure mandate continuous investment in such projects. The TBM technology, commonly employed in metro and railway tunnels, has proven to be an exceptionally efficient, swift, and secure method for excavating long tunnels, especially in urban areas.
Project Details and Economic Impact
Construction work on the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel Project commenced in May 2022. The tunnel, approximately 7 kilometers long, features a 2×2 lane, four-lane divided road with bituminous hot mix pavement. Including its connection roads, the total length of the project spans 8.2 kilometers. The tunnel begins at the exit of the Sarıyer-Çayırbaşı Tunnel and concludes at the Uskumruköy Modern Rotary Junction, which is part of the Northern Marmara Motorway.
The project also encompasses the construction of two junction bridges at Sarıyer and Kilyos, one viaduct, two cut-and-cover structures, and one culvert. The total length of the twin tubes is 13,715 meters. To expedite construction, both the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), involving drilling and blasting, and TBM technology have been employed simultaneously and synergistically.
Minister Uraloğlu underscored that a team of 180 machines and equipment and 879 personnel are working tirelessly, 24/7, to ensure the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel is completed this year. He emphasized that these large-scale projects symbolize the nation’s determination, diligence, and faith in the future.
Enhanced Connectivity and Disaster Preparedness
Upon its completion, the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel will fundamentally transform transport in northern Istanbul, significantly strengthening the city’s infrastructure. It will provide direct access to the Northern Marmara Motorway from Istanbul’s busiest business and financial centers, such as Maslak, Levent, Beşiktaş, and Büyükdere Avenue, via the Sarıyer-Çayırbaşı Tunnel and the new Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel. This will also accelerate the connection between Istanbul Airport and the city’s business hubs.
The 350,000-strong population of Sarıyer will gain access to the high-standard motorway in just 5 minutes via the tunnel, bypassing local roads. This improved accessibility is expected to further boost summer tourism activities in northern Istanbul. Crucially, the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel will establish a rapid access route to the Northern Marmara Motorway, which is designated as an emergency aid and evacuation route for Istanbul in the event of major disasters.
Minister Uraloğlu concluded by reiterating the immense importance of the Sarıyer-Kilyos Tunnel project for Istanbul, highlighting its role in providing the fastest and safest integration with the Northern Marmara Motorway, dramatically cutting travel times, and generating substantial economic savings.
Following his speech, Minister Uraloğlu and his delegation observed the TBM’s final exit from the tunnel and posed for a commemorative photograph.
