The Pazarkule-Edirne-TEM Connection Road, which connects the Pazarkule Border Gate to the TEM Highway and is planned to be the second crossing point to bring Turkey and Greece closer, was opened to traffic with a ceremony attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and General Director of Highways Ahmet Gülşen.
Edirne’s Divided Road Length Increased to 277 Kilometers
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they had increased the divided road length in Edirne from 70 kilometers in 2002 to 277 kilometers. “We have also increased the length of BSK paved roads from 264 kilometers to 613 kilometers. We opened the Malkara Junction-İpsala-Border Gate Road as a divided road. We completed the Keşan-Korudağı-Gelibolu project as a divided road. We are continuing construction on five road projects, including the Edirne-Kırklareli Road, Keşan-Enez Road, the restoration of Historic Uzunköprü, and the construction of Oğulpaşa Bridge,” he said.
Uraloğlu stated that the Pazarkule-Edirne-TEM Connection Road had been built with a total length of 7.6 kilometers, consisting of 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction) and a hot mix asphalt surface, in accordance with divided road standards. “As part of the project, we also constructed the Dr. Mehmet Müezzinoğlu and Yıldırım Beyazıt Bridges, K4-K5 Overpass Bridges, and the Tunca Dual Bridge, which total 3473 meters in length,” he added.
“Increased Export and Import Opportunities for Industrial Facilities around Edirne”
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that the project had provided a high-standard direct connection between the Pazarkule Border Gate, planned to be the second crossing point bringing Greece and Turkey closer, and the TEM Highway. He continued, “We have ensured the safe access of the Gazimihal and Yıldırım Junctions and new residential areas in the western part of Edirne to the TEM Highway and the city center. We have increased the export and import opportunities for industrial facilities around Edirne. Additionally, this project provides an alternative route for heavy vehicle traffic, which was previously restricted due to the historical bridges between Karaağaç and Edirne.”
Annual Savings of 49.5 Million Lira
Minister Uraloğlu highlighted that with the Pazarkule-Edirne-TEM Connection Road, they would save a total of 49.5 million lira annually—40 million lira from time savings and 9.5 million lira from fuel savings. “We will also contribute to environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions from vehicles, which harm the environment, by 598 tons. Furthermore, this road will contribute to the region and Turkey’s economy through trade with European countries,” he said.
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