New Highway Opens, Cuts Travel Time from 2 Hours to 55 Minutes – Latest News
Minister Uraloğlu: Faster, Safer, and More Comfortable Highway Transportation from Izmir to Antalya
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced plans to enhance highway transportation from Izmir to Antalya with the completion of the Denizli-Burdur and Burdur-Antalya highways. This development follows the inauguration of the Aydın-Denizli Highway, which was fully opened to traffic today.
Speaking at the Aydın toll booths during the opening ceremony of the entire Aydın-Denizli Highway, Minister Uraloğlu expressed his delight in unveiling the last 70-kilometer section of the 163-kilometer highway. This section, starting from the Aydın Ring Road and ending at Kuyucak Junction, is now accessible to motorists.
Last year, the 80-kilometer and 13-kilometer connection road between Kuyucak Junction and Kocabaş Junction was put into service. Minister Uraloğlu highlighted the construction of the entire 163-kilometer highway, which includes a 6-lane 140-kilometer main road and a 4-lane 23-kilometer connection road. He added that an official opening ceremony will soon be held with the participation of the President.
The new highway, which reduces travel time from 2 hours to 55 minutes, is expected to facilitate transportation between Aydın and Denizli, serving as a crucial link between the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia regions. Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that the improved infrastructure will benefit the regional economy, enhance tourism connectivity, and streamline the transportation of industrial and agricultural products.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the positive environmental impact of the highway, estimating an annual savings of 5.3 billion liras, including reductions in time and fuel consumption. By decreasing carbon emissions by 61 thousand tons, the project aims to contribute to the preservation of nature.
Minister Uraloğlu underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in expediting infrastructure projects. He praised the efficiency of this model, which has enabled the completion of the Aydın-Denizli Highway in just 4 years. Looking ahead, plans for the Denizli-Burdur and Burdur-Antalya highways were unveiled, with a vision to transform the state highway between Izmir and Antalya into a faster, safer, and more convenient route.
In conclusion, Minister Uraloğlu expressed gratitude to all involved in the highway construction, likening the project to raising a child and celebrating their wedding. He emphasized the dedication and collaborative effort that culminated in the successful completion of the Aydın-Denizli Highway, marking a milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.
