11.08.2026 23:20
Work continues on the Dallıkavak and Kırık tunnels, which will shorten the travel time and distance on the route connecting Erzurum to Rize. While the aim is to complete approximately 9 kilometers of the Dallıkavak Tunnel this season, 90 percent of the excavation and support work in the Kırık Tunnel has been completed. With the completion of the projects, the route between Erzurum and Rize will be reduced from 248 kilometers to 196 kilometers.
Construction of the Kırık and Dallıkavak tunnels, which will connect Erzurum to Rize and reduce travel time, is ongoing.
COMPLETION TARGETED THIS SEASON
According to a statement from the governor's office, Governor Aydın Baruş inspected the Dallıkavak and Kırık tunnels and received information from officials.
Baruş, whose views were included in the statement, noted that the Dallıkavak Tunnel is one of the important projects carried out within the scope of turning the Erzurum-İspir-Rize highway into a divided road.
Baruş stated that the 3,105-meter-long Dallıkavak Tunnel is located in the approximately 30.3-kilometer section of the project from the Erzurum direction to the entrance of the Kırık Tunnel, and he indicated that the target is to complete and open to traffic an approximately 9-kilometer section this construction season.
Noting that work continues on the approximately 21-kilometer section following the project, Baruş reported that it is aimed to make significant progress by 2027.
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES WILL DROP TO 196 KILOMETERS
Baruş stated that work on lighting, ventilation, and road safety in the tunnel continues, that connecting Erzurum to the Black Sea Coastal Road in a healthy way is of great importance for trade, and that with the completion of the 6 tunnels also under construction on the Rize side, the 248-kilometer route between Rize and Erzurum will drop to 196 kilometers.
Stating that with the shortening of the distance, time and fuel savings will be achieved, Baruş expressed that reaching the İyidere Port, which is under construction in Rize, in a shorter time will increase Erzurum's commercial importance.
WORK IN THE KIRIK TUNNEL IS 78% COMPLETE
Baruş then inspected the Kırık Tunnel, which is 15.8 kilometers long and is a continuation and complement of the Ovit Tunnel.
Noting that excavation and support work is 90% complete and concrete work is 78% complete, Baruş stated that once the tunnel becomes operational, the route will shorten by 33 kilometers and İspir will be reached in approximately 1 hour.
Governor Baruş drew attention to the fact that with the opening of both tunnels, there will be relief on the routes, and there will be no need to pass through winding and high-altitude roads.