Viaduct work on FSM connection locks up traffic
Joint repair work on the Molla Gürani Viaduct on the TEM highway has caused heavy congestion on the FSM Bridge connections; drivers are being warned to use alternative routes.
12punto
Viaduct maintenance and joint repair work being carried out on the TEM highway in Istanbul is causing heavy traffic on the Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM) Bridge and its connecting roads. Due to the work on the Molla Gürani Viaduct, located between the Çamlık and Kavacık junctions, it is reported that the 18-kilometer stretch, which can normally be crossed in 10-15 minutes, is taking up to 2.5 hours at certain times.
On the route under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Highways, work is carried out by closing lanes between 22:00 at night and 06:00 in the morning. During the daytime, the fact that transportation is provided via temporary ramps placed over the joints leads to long vehicle queues, especially on the FSM connections.
The congestion, which began during the period when schools opened, is affecting city traffic throughout the day, and drivers are facing long wait times, especially during evening rush hours. The timing of the work has also drawn public criticism. Journalist Murat Ağırel and many citizens criticized the fact that work not completed during the summer months has spilled over into the school term.
According to information provided by Radio Traffic Chief Editor Betül Hakyemez, work on the Beylikçayır, Yarımburgaz, Akşemsettin, and Hasdal viaducts has been completed in sequence since the beginning of the summer. Work on the Molla Gürani Viaduct in the direction of Ankara began on September 21, following the first week of the school term.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES FOR DRIVERS
Experts warn drivers who want to avoid the congestion on the FSM line to plan their routes in advance. Although it increases the travel distance, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge stands out as one of the more fluid options. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Eurasia Tunnel are also shown as alternatives that can be evaluated depending on the wait times at the FSM.
On the Kavacık and Beykoz line, the Hekimbaşı and Çavuşbaşı forest roads are used by some drivers as escape routes. However, it is emphasized that these roads should also be planned according to traffic conditions.
Work on the Molla Gürani Viaduct is expected to continue until the beginning of October. It is stated that after this work, the teams will move to the Ortaköy Viaduct, and this process could also negatively affect traffic on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge.