Salarha Tunnel

One of the key projects strengthening Rize’s transportation infrastructure is the Salarha Tunnel, a structure connecting Rize’s city center with the Salarha Valley. After decades of public demand to local authorities, the tunnel was officially opened for service on 4 September 2021. The project aims to ease internal traffic, reduce travel time, and make transportation safer and more comfortable.

Project Overview

• Length: 2,958 metres.
• Connecting Roads: 1.34 kilometres of connecting roads.
• Bridges: Three bridges (total length 230 metres).
• Lanes: 2x2 separated lanes.
• Pavement Type: Asphalt hot mix pavement.
• Project Status: Completed and opened to service as of 2021.

Purpose and Benefits of the Tunnel

• Reduction in Travel Time: The previous route of 13.4 kilometres has been shortened to 9.1 kilometres, reducing journey time from approximately 20 minutes to just 5 minutes.
• Alleviation of Urban Traffic: The Salarha Tunnel provides a route that bypasses the city center, easing congestion within Rize.
• Economic and Environmental Benefits:
• • An annual savings of 66 million TL is projected (49.5 million TL in time savings and 16.5 million TL in fuel savings).
  • Carbon emissions have been reduced by 6,531 tonnes.
• Contribution to Regional Development: By enhancing north-south integration in Rize, the tunnel supports the growth of trade and tourism.
• Safe Transportation: The tunnel offers a transportation alternative adapted to Rize’s mountainous and rugged terrain, significantly improving safety.

Construction Process and Technical Challenges

The construction of the Salarha Tunnel was highly demanding due to challenging natural conditions. Particularly, the sandy soil structure and groundwater processes complicated the work, yet the project was completed without interruption. The tunnel’s depth varies between 250 metres and 10 metres below ground level, requiring a sophisticated engineering process.

Inauguration and Official Ceremony

The official opening of the tunnel took place on 4 September 2021 with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the ceremony, speakers emphasized that the tunnel marked a historic milestone for Rize and highlighted its expected contributions to regional development.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoğlu, in his speech at the ceremony, stated that the Salarha Tunnel represented “a breakthrough in Rize’s transportation network.” He also noted that the project would help position the Black Sea region as a central hub.

The Salarha Tunnel stands out as one of the key initiatives aimed at strengthening Rize’s transportation infrastructure. It also supports the city’s economic and social development by enhancing north-south integration. With its commissioning, Rize’s transportation network has undergone significant transformation, providing the city with a more connected and safer infrastructure compared to its previously rugged and difficult terrain.