The Eurasia Tunnel Project (Istanbul Strait Road Tube Crossing Project) connects the Asian and European sides of the city via a highway tunnel crossing underneath the seafloor. The Eurasia Tunnel, between traffic-dense Kazlıçeşme and Göztepe, covers a route of 14.6 kilometers.
While the 5.4-kilometer section of the Project consists of a twin-deck tunnel under the seafloor built with special technology and connection tunnels, a total of 9.2-kilometer routes on both the Asian and European sides includes road expansion and improvement works. The approach roads between Sarayburnu-Kazlıçeşme and Harem-Göztepe were expanded and intersections, vehicle underpasses and pedestrian overpasses were constructed.
The tunnel crossing and highway improvement-expansion work eases vehicle traffic in a holistic manner. It enables drivers to experience the freedom of a safe and comfortable journey while the duration of travel time on a heavily trafficked route is considerably shortened. In addition, environmental and noise pollution are reduced.
The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications and the General Directorate of Infrastructure Investments commissioned Eurasia Tunnel Operation Construction and Investment Inc. (ATAŞ) to carry out the design, construction and operation of the Eurasia Tunnel Project. After the completion of the operation period, the Eurasia Tunnel will be transferred to the public.
Awards:
- EMEA Finance – Best Public-Private Partnership, 2012
- Infrastructure Journal – The Most Innovative Transportation Project, 2012
- Thomson Reuters PFI – Turkish Infrastructure Deal of the Year, 2012
- Euromoney – Best Deal of the Year in Europe, 2012
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) –Environmental & Social Best Practice Award, 2015
- International Tunneling and Underground Space Association (ITA) – Major Project of the Year, 2015
- Engineering News Record (ENR) — Best Project of the World, 2016
- Korean Society of Civil Engineers (KSCE) – Golden Category Construction Award, 2017
- US Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) – Architectural Lighting Award, 2017
- International Road Federation (IRF) – Global Achievement Award in the branch of Construction Methodology, 2017
- New Civil Engineer (NCE) ‘Innovation in Maintenance & Renewal Award’, 2018
