As part of the Başiskele Corridor Project, which is being implemented by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, installation of the girders for all 9 bridges constructed along the project corridor has been completed. Significant progress has been achieved in the bridge and roadway works of the project, where geofoam block lightweight fill technology is being utilized.
We are pleased to be involved in the project through the design, field implementation and supervision of geofoam block lightweight fill applications. We would like to thank the project’s main contractor, Makimsan A.Ş., and all stakeholders who have contributed to the project.
Bridge Girder Installation Completed
Within Phase 1 of the Başiskele Corridor Project, installation of all 9 bridges, comprising a total of 155 precast girders, has been successfully completed. During the final stage of installation, 20-meter- and 30-meter-long precast girders were placed, marking another critical milestone in the bridge superstructure works.
With the completion of the girder installation, the structural systems of the bridges have been largely completed, while the remaining superstructure and connection works are continuing.
Physical Progress Reaches 82%
Physical progress on the project, which is expected to significantly improve transportation between Başiskele and İzmit, has reached 82%. Five bridges are currently in service, while final construction works are continuing on the remaining four bridges.
Upon completion of the project, traffic congestion along the D-130 Highway is expected to be reduced and travel times across the region improved.
Fast and Efficient Construction with Geofoam Geotechnology
The geofoam block lightweight fill system used in the project has not only minimized additional loads under weak ground conditions, but has also provided significant time and logistics advantages during construction.
Compared with conventional fill construction, the rapid placement of geofoam blocks has eliminated the need for intensive truck transportation and layer-by-layer placement and compaction operations, accelerating construction activities and significantly reducing heavy vehicle traffic on site.
With more than 100,000 m³ of geofoam blocks used within a single project, the Başiskele Corridor Project stands out as the world’s largest geofoam interchange project constructed at this scale.
Road Widening and Infrastructure Works Continue
Following the substantial completion of the bridge works, road widening, infrastructure and pavement works have been accelerated across the project. Retaining wall construction has been completed, while excavation and site grading works are continuing.
In addition, a total of 479 bored piles have been constructed along the route to address potential stability issues.
A New Transportation Corridor for Kocaeli
Upon completion, the project will provide Kocaeli with a 16-kilometer continuous transportation corridor comprising 9 bridges, 7 culverts and 2 pedestrian overpasses.
In addition, more than 20,000 meters of bored piles, 167,000 tonnes of plant-mix base and asphalt, 30,000 m³ of concrete, 5,500 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 11,500 meters of highway guardrails are being constructed as part of the project, providing a long-term contribution to the region’s transportation infrastructure.
