Heavy traffic reported on return to Istanbul after Eid al-Adha

As the Eid al-Adha holiday neared its end, thousands of citizens returning to Istanbul from their hometowns and vacation spots formed long queues of vehicles. Traffic on return routes occasionally came to a standstill, and minor accidents occurred in some areas.

Vehicle density on the Ankara-Kırıkkale highway in the direction of Ankara was notable starting from the morning hours. This route, known as the "key junction," further intensified traffic as it serves as the connection point for 43 provinces in the east and north of Turkey. While police teams took various measures to prevent potential disruptions, traffic is expected to remain heavy until morning.

The impact of the return journey was also clearly visible on the Kocaeli section of the Northern Marmara Motorway. Traffic accidents, particularly in the Çayırköy and Sepetçi regions of İzmit, slowed the flow of vehicles. Drivers had to wait for long periods in tunnel sections. Highway teams and motorway gendarmerie personnel continued their inspections and traffic management in the area without interruption.

Around the Gültepe and Korutepe tunnels on the İzmit section of the TEM Motorway, vehicles moved fluidly despite the density. However, drivers noted that they occasionally had to proceed with caution.

Another focal point of the return traffic was the Çamlıca toll booths. According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's traffic density map, the general density was at 27 percent at 16:00. While this rate reached 33 percent on the Anatolian Side, it was measured at 26 percent on the European Side. Toward the evening hours, vehicles approaching the toll booths, especially from the Edirne and Ankara directions, occasionally had to come to a complete stop. As the hours passed and night approached, traffic eased slightly, and by 20:15, the overall density had dropped to 22 percent. Density was recorded at 18 percent on the Anatolian Side and 24 percent on the European Side.

Transportation authorities and police teams anticipate that the holiday return traffic will continue until the end of the weekend and that fluctuating density will persist on the highways for some time. Warnings for drivers to be careful and patient were reiterated.