Zigana Tunnel

Zigana Tunnel is a road tunnel project constructed over the North Anatolian Mountains along the East–Anatolia and Middle East route connected by Trabzon–Gümüşhane. It is Türkiye’s and Europe’s longest and the world’s third longest double-tube road tunnel, constructed using advanced engineering methods. Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2023, making significant contributions to Türkiye’s economic development and regional transportation security.

Innovative construction techniques and high engineering standards enabled the project despite challenging geographical conditions. Notably, the vertical shaft ventilation system, the first of its kind applied in road tunnels in Türkiye, has established the Zigana Tunnel as an engineering landmark meeting international standards. The tunnel has significantly reduced travel times in the region, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

General Information

• Location: Along the Trabzon–Gümüşhane route, over the North Anatolian Mountains
• Length: 14.5 kilometers (15.1 kilometers including connecting roads)
• Type: Double-tube road tunnel
• Features:
• • Longest double-tube road tunnel in Europe
  • Third longest double-tube road tunnel in the world
  • Features the first vertical shaft ventilation system ever applied in road tunnels in Türkiye
  • Built entirely with local and national resources, a product of Turkish engineers and workers
  • Approximately 3.5 million cubic meters of excavation was carried out during construction
  • The amount of steel used is equivalent to six Eiffel Towers
  • The volume of concrete used is sufficient for the construction of housing for approximately 70,000 people

Project and Construction Process

• Start Date: 17 March 2017
• Opening Date: 3 May 2023 (inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan)
• Total Construction Duration: Approximately six years
• Contractor: Cengiz İnşaat

Benefits and Achievements

Distance and Time Savings

Road and Transportation Safety

Technical Details and Infrastructure

Ventilation System

Connecting Roads and Standards

Economic and Regional Contributions

Regional Economic Impact

Usage and Traffic Data

• In the first 1.5 months after opening, 251,100 vehicles used the tunnel
• Within the first year of operation, a total of 1,770,000 vehicle passages were recorded

Social and Environmental Impacts

Environmental Impacts

Social Impacts

The Zigana Tunnel stands as a major engineering achievement, contributing significantly to Türkiye’s road infrastructure and playing a critical role in regional development.