Phalesis Tunnel

Antalya’s west section, constructed to facilitate transportation and enable more efficient operation of the Mediterranean Coast Route, was opened to service on 16 April 2022. tunnel, which strengthens the connection between Antalya—one of Türkiye’s key tourism and agricultural centers—and its Aegean and Inner Anatolia regions, is a twin-tube tunnel with a total length of 1305 meters. The opening ceremony was conducted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan video conference, with Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also in attendance.

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

• Location: West of Antalya, along the Mediterranean Coastal Road.
• Length: 1305 meters (twin-tube).
• Number of Lanes: 2x2 lane capacity.
• Opening Date: 16 April 2022.
• Connection Points: Links Antalya city center with the districts of Demre, Finike, Kumluca, Kemer, Kaş and Kalkan.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRANSPORTATION AND THE ECONOMY

• Reduction in Travel Time: The Phaselis Tunnel has shortened the route by 2 kilometers and reduced travel time by 10 minutes.
• Fuel and Time Savings: The tunnel’s operation is projected to generate an annual economic benefit of 31 million Turkish Lira for Türkiye’s economy.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: The tunnel has contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing annual carbon emissions by 1,800 tons.

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT ON TOURISM

The Phaselis Tunnel was specifically designed to significantly benefit Antalya’s tourism and agricultural sectors. By improving access to Arch, where millions of tourists are hosted annually, as well as to the districts of Kaş and Shield like, the tunnel enhances the region’s tourism potential.

Additionally, it accelerates the distribution process of agricultural products from regions such as Demre and Finike, which are vital producers of vegetables and fruit, thereby creating a more efficient supply chain.

TÜRKİYE’S TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS AND FUTURE PLANS

Under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure’s 2053 Transport and Logistics Main Plan, the Phaselis Tunnel is one of the projects integrated into Türkiye’s advanced road network. As part of this plan:

• The divided road network is targeted to expand to 38,060 kilometers,
• The motorway network is targeted to extend to 8,325 kilometers.

Such infrastructure investments in Antalya’s transportation network aim to strengthen the city’s position in tourism, trade and agriculture.

The Phaselis Tunnel is an officially verified infrastructure project that significantly eases transportation between Antalya’s western districts and the city center while delivering economic benefits. The tunnel provides distinct advantages for both tourism and agricultural production by reducing travel time and generating both environmental and economic gains.