Snowfall in Istanbul paralyzes traffic! Watch out for the afternoon

As the snowfall intensifies in Istanbul, traffic congestion across the city has reached its peak. Drivers have struggled to make progress on the D-100 Highway, the TEM Motorway, connecting roads, and bridges.

According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Cep Trafik application, traffic congestion has risen to 65 percent on the European side, 78 percent on the Anatolian side, and 69 percent across the city as a whole.

TRAFFIC AT A STANDSTILL ON BRIDGES

Traffic flow has slowed down in the direction of Edirne on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the Eurasia Tunnel, which connect the two continents.

On the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, congestion began from the Uzunçayır Junction.

On the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the congestion extended from Ümraniye to the bridge entrance.

MAIN ARTERIES AND CONNECTING ROADS ARE LOCKED

On the European Side:

Vehicles heading toward Ankara on the D-100 Highway struggled to move between Zincirlikuyu and Mecidiyeköy.

Traffic congestion was observed from the Haliç Bridge to Edirnekapı.

On the TEM Motorway, traffic came to a standstill between Seyrantepe and Gaziosmanpaşa.

On the Anatolian Side:

Traffic moved slowly in both directions on the D-100 Highway between Kadıköy and Kartal.

Vehicle congestion formed on the TEM Motorway between Ataşehir and Sancaktepe.

Congestion was also experienced on some main arteries, coastal roads, and TEM connecting roads.

ACCIDENTS AND ICING HAZARD

Due to the snowfall, accidents involving property damage and injuries have occurred at various points in Istanbul.

Municipal teams carried out salting work to prevent icing on some overpasses. Additionally, it was observed that some vehicles were unable to proceed due to snow accumulation on side streets.

INCREASED CONGESTION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Those wishing to go to work and school created significant crowding at Metrobus, bus, and tram transfer stations.

Passengers had difficulty boarding vehicles, especially at Metrobus stops.

HOW LONG WILL THE SNOWFALL IN ISTANBUL LAST?

According to forecasts by the Turkish State Meteorological Service, snowfall in Istanbul will continue to be effective intermittently throughout the day.

The air temperature across the city is expected to reach a maximum of 7 degrees.

It was reported that the wind will increase in intensity in the afternoon and a storm warning has been issued for the Sea of Marmara.

Authorities emphasized that drivers and pedestrians should be cautious.

News Source: AA