As part of the Başiskele Corridor Project, which is being constructed for Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality using geofoam block lightweight fill technology, the first interchange connection, the Yuvacık Connection Ramp, has been opened to traffic and vehicle movements have begun.
We are proud to be involved in the world’s largest highway interchange project within the 54-year history of geofoam block lightweight fill applications, providing design, construction and supervision services as a subcontractor.
We would like to thank the project’s main contractor, Makimsan A.Ş., and the geofoam block supplier, Panelsan, for their contributions and cooperation.
Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality continues to implement major transportation projects to improve urban mobility. Within this scope, the first interchange connection of the Başiskele Corridor Project, the “Yuvacık Connection Ramp,” has been opened to traffic, marking an important milestone in the project.
PROJECT PROGRESS REACHES 45%
Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality is continuing major infrastructure investments aimed at relieving urban traffic congestion. Progress on the Başiskele Corridor Project, which is expected to significantly improve traffic conditions between Başiskele and İzmit, has reached approximately 45%. The first section opened to traffic was the Yuvacık Connection Ramp in the İzmit direction, constructed over geofoam fill. Drivers can now use the route safely and comfortably. The northern side road from Ömer Türkçakal Boulevard toward Gölcük is also planned to be opened to traffic within 15 days.
GÖLCÜK-BOUND SIDE ROAD PLANNED TO OPEN BY THE END OF THE MONTH
Dağhan Çelebi, Head of the Department of Public Works at Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, provided information on the ongoing works and stated: “At the Yuvacık entrance of the Başiskele Interchange Project, we completed the asphalt and median works along approximately 700 meters of geofoam roadway and opened a 300-meter section to traffic. Toward the end of this month, we also plan to open the side road in the Gölcük direction. Our works are progressing rapidly. We hope the new road will be beneficial to our citizens.”
APPROXIMATELY TRY 350 MILLION IN SAVINGS
Ground improvement works have been completed, while bored pile construction is nearing completion. Construction of two bridge piers will begin after the new traffic routes are opened in order to minimize disruption to existing traffic. The use of geofoam block fill has provided approximately TRY 350 million in initial investment cost savings. In addition, the corridor project is expected to eliminate the need for approximately 9,000 truck trips, thereby reducing the traffic burden associated with conventional fill transportation.
16-KILOMETER TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
The corridor project, which began at the end of June 2025, will create a 16-kilometer transportation corridor. Designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion along the D-130 Highway, the project includes 9 bridges, 7 culverts and 2 pedestrian overpasses. Approximately 300,000 m³ of excavation and fill works will be carried out along the corridor, together with approximately 100,000 m³ of geofoam fill.
30,000 M³ OF CONCRETE TO BE USED
As part of the ongoing road construction works, approximately 167,000 tonnes of plant-mix base and asphalt will be placed. The project will also involve approximately 30,000 m³ of concrete placement and 5,500 tonnes of reinforcing steel. In addition, 13,000 meters of stormwater drainage lines and 11,500 meters of highway guardrails will be constructed.
