Did you know that Karayollar\u0131 is not just a building? It is the heart of Turkey’s highway system. Right here in Istanbul the General Directorate of Highways plans maintains and expands the roadways that connect this vast country.
Karayollar\u0131 is Turkish for General Directorate of Highways. Established on March 1 1950 it became responsible for all public roadways outside of cities and towns. Before that roads were managed by a department within the Ministry of Public Works. The International Highways Act of 1949 paved the way for the establishment of Karayollar\u0131. This act recognized the importance of a modern highway network.
Imagine Turkey in 1950. Many roads were unpaved. Travel was slow. Karayollar\u0131 stepped in to change all that. It undertook the massive task of building a modern road system. This system was crucial for Turkey’s economic and social development.
The agency falls under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. It oversees a vast network. This network includes motorways state highways and provincial roads. Think of the sheer scale 68633 km of roads. That’s like driving around the world more than one and a half times.
Karayollar\u0131 maintains 18 regional divisions across Turkey. The 1st Regional Division is in Istanbul. Each division manages the roads within its area. This ensures that roads are well-maintained. It also ensures that new roads are built where they are needed.
The agency’s work includes more than just paving roads. It builds and maintains bridges viaducts and tunnels. These structures are essential for navigating Turkey’s varied terrain. Think of the bridges spanning deep valleys or the tunnels cutting through mountains.
Karayollar\u0131 also manages toll plazas on toll roads and bridges. It uses automated systems for collecting tolls. These systems include transponder-based OGS and RFID-based HGS. These technologies allow for smoother and faster travel.
The story of Karayollar\u0131 is one of progress and connection. It symbolizes Turkey’s commitment to building a strong infrastructure. As you travel through Turkey remember the agency that makes these journeys possible. It is more than just roads. It connects people and places.