As part of the Başiskele Interchange Corridor Project implemented by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, the new connection road between the D-130 Highway and Ömer Türkçakal Boulevard (İzmit Coastal Road) has been completed and opened to vehicle traffic.
We are pleased to be involved in the project through design, field implementation and supervision services, where geofoam block lightweight fill technology is being utilized. Providing significant time savings compared with conventional fill methods and an effective solution under weak ground conditions, geofoam technology has contributed to the rapid progress of the project.
We would like to thank the project’s main contractor, Makimsan A.Ş., and all stakeholders who have contributed to the project.
Improved Traffic Flow Toward İzmit
With the opening of the new connection road constructed as part of the Başiskele Interchange Corridor Project, traffic toward İzmit via the D-130 Highway has become safer and more continuous. At the same time, the connection to the İzmit Coastal Road has been reopened, restoring an important link within the regional transportation network.
The connection road and associated pavement works were completed and opened to traffic in just 41 days, supported by intensive site operations and the rapid installation advantages provided by geofoam block lightweight fill technology. The new arrangement is expected to reduce traffic demand on routes toward İzmit and improve travel times.
Ground Improvement and Lightweight Fill Solutions
Along the approximately 1-kilometer-long connection road, several geotechnical solutions were implemented in combination to address the challenging ground conditions. These included DSM (Deep Soil Mixing), plastic piles, geogrid- and geocomposite-reinforced engineered fills, and geofoam block lightweight fill systems.
In addition, a load distribution platform, plant-mix subbase and base courses, and bituminous pavement layers were constructed to bring the road into service.
The geofoam block lightweight fill system increased construction speed by allowing the blocks to be placed directly on site. Eliminating the need for the high-volume material transportation, placement and compaction operations required with conventional fill methods made a significant contribution to accelerating the project schedule.
Bridge and Road Works Completed
Two road bridges with spans of 43 meters and 24 meters were constructed along the connection road. Plant-mix base, bituminous base, binder and wearing course layers were also completed, allowing the route to be opened to traffic.
With the completion of these works, the new transportation link delivered under the project will contribute to safer and more comfortable traffic flow in the region.
Works Continue on the Başiskele Corridor Project
Construction of additional stages is continuing within the Başiskele Interchange Corridor Project, one of the major transportation infrastructure investments in Kocaeli. Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce traffic congestion along the D-130 Highway and provide faster and safer transportation along the Başiskele–İzmit corridor.
