First Melodic Road Application in Türkiye (2025)

The melodic road application is a road design method that generates sound as vehicles pass over specially placed grooves or markings on the road surface, enabling the perception of a specific musical melody. In Türkiye, this system was first implemented on 19 May 2025 in the Nallıhan district of Ankara.

First Implementation Site

The melodic road application was developed by the General Directorate of Highways under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye. The first phase was completed at the 21st kilometer of the Nallıhan-Beypazarı State Road, in the Eymir Village area, under the responsibility of the 4th Regional Directorate of Highways (Ankara). The implementation site was selected at a distance that would not impact the Nallıhan Davutoğlan Wildlife Development Area. Infrastructure works began on 12 May 2025 and were completed on 16 May 2025.

Technical Features and Operation of the System

The melodic road is designed to produce a musical melody when vehicles pass over it at a specific speed. The system is based on grooves or raised elements installed on the road surface. These elements function by converting the vibrations and friction generated by vehicle tires into sound. Each surface feature produces a distinct frequency. When vehicles pass over the arrangement at a constant speed of approximately 100 km/h, the resulting sounds combine to form the intended musical melody. In the Nallıhan example, this melody is Mozart’s “Turkish March.” The melody is conveyed to the driver solely through tire-road interaction, without any external audio source.

Second Phase: Kertek Site Implementation

Following the first implementation, work on the second phase began on 17 May 2025 at the Kertek location, at the 37th kilometer of the Ankara-Eskişehir State Road near the Sivrihisar exit. It was emphasized that the implementation was carried out at locations distant from populated areas to prevent noise-related complaints.

Technical Criteria for Implementation Sites

For the melodic road system to function effectively, certain technical conditions must be met. These include:

• A straight road geometry that allows vehicles to maintain an average constant speed of 100 km/h,
• The absence of pavement defects and the presence of a smooth surface coating,
• Selection of roads with low traffic volume and minimal heavy vehicle traffic to prevent rapid wear and loss of functionality.

Selection of implementation sites and technical infrastructure planning are conducted in accordance with these criteria.