Following a magnitude 5 earthquake that struck off the coast of Tekirdağ, Istanbul experienced significant traffic congestion. The quake occurred in the Marmara Sea, affecting transportation in and around the city.
Impact of the Earthquake on Istanbul’s Traffic
As residents left their homes, schools, and workplaces, the surge of vehicles on the roads led to substantial delays. Key routes and highways in Istanbul faced heavy traffic disruptions.
Areas Affected by Traffic Congestion
- D-100 Highway
- TEM Highway
- 15 July Martyrs Bridge
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Traffic congestion was particularly severe at the entrances of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Despite the increased traffic, the Eurasia Tunnel remained unaffected, allowing smoother passage.
Traffic Statistics
According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) traffic application, congestion levels reached alarming figures:
- Anadolu Yakası: 60% congestion
- Avrupa Yakası: 71% congestion
- Overall citywide congestion: 67%
In the European side of the city, heavy traffic stretched from Zincirlikuyu to Beylikdüzü on the D-100 Highway. Meanwhile, along the Ankara direction, congestion extended from Beylikdüzü through Cevizlibağ, Haliç, and Mecidiyeköy to the 15 July Martyrs Bridge.
Additional Areas Experiencing Delays
On the Anadolu Yakası, travelers reported difficulties navigating through Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Ataşehir, and Ümraniye. Moreover, the intersection of Basın Ekspres Street and D-100 in Haramidere also encountered notable traffic delays.
This earthquake-induced traffic disruption serves as a reminder of the potential chain reactions triggered by natural events, significantly impacting urban mobility. Residents are urged to plan their routes accordingly to mitigate travel delays during such emergencies.
