Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that when the Ardeşen-Çamlıhemşin-Ayder Provincial Road is completed, there will be a reduction of 2 kilometers in the existing road and 20 minutes in travel time, resulting in a combined annual saving of 295 million lira, consisting of 180 million lira from time and 115 million lira from fuel.

Speaking at the Çamlıhemşin Tunnel Light Seing Ceremony constructed as part of the Ardeşen-Çamlıhemşin-Ayder Provincial Road, Minister Uraloğlu recalled that they had laid the foundation for the tunnel last year with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Uraloğlu said, “Our project, with a length of 36.5 kilometers, starts from the Pazar-Ardeşen junction on the Black Sea Coast Road, passes through the Çamlıhemşin district center, and is integrated with the Ayder Renewal and Preservation Project in Ayder location.”

Uraloğlu underscored their innovative approach in constructing the project by using hot mix asphalt pavement. He mentioned that within the scope of the project, there are the 960-meter Çamlıhemşin Tunnel, the 2,252-meter Hala Tunnel, four bridges with a total length of 215 meters and three intersections. Additionally, a 3-kilometer connecting road branching off from the Tunca Junction to Tunca Town is included in the project, extending the total length to 39.5 kilometers.

Emphasizing the challenging geographical conditions of the Eastern Black Sea Region, Minister Uraloğlu highlighted how their determination led to the completion of essential projects by cutting through mountains with tunnels and bridging deep valleys to expand the boundaries of civilization. Uraloğlu expressed the economic importance of the Ardeşen-Çamlıhemşin-Ayder Provincial Road, especially in providing access to the world-renowned Ayder Plateau, which annually welcomes over a million visitors, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic structure of the region.

The project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the current road and establish a faster, safer, and more comfortable transportation route. Once completed, the project will reduce 2 kilometers on the current road and shorten travel time by 20 minutes, resulting in an annual saving of 295 million lira, comprising 180 million lira from time and 115 million lira from fuel. Moreover, by reducing carbon emissions by 5,600 tons, the project aims to contribute to preserving Rize’s unique nature.

Minister Uraloğlu anticipates that the project, which will ease access from the Black Sea coast to inland areas, will also boost trade and tourism potential across the region, most notably benefiting the Ayder Plateau as a key attraction in regional tourism. The improved accessibility is believed to increase tourism diversity, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.

Reflecting on Turkey’s road infrastructure development, Uraloğlu cited the extensive network of highways established across the country, including a significant mileage covered by divided roads. He highlighted the economic benefits brought by their infrastructure projects, emphasizing significant savings in labor costs and fuel consumption annually.

Focusing on the investments made in Rize’s transportation and communication infrastructure over the past 22 years, Uraloğlu emphasized the strategic location of Rize and its potential as a key logistic center connecting Turkey with the world, especially through the ongoing projects like the İyidere Lojistik Limanı. Uraloğlu described Rize’s future as a logistical hub, fostering international connections and supporting the region’s economic growth.