🕑 Reading time: 1 minute
The 1915 Canakkale Bridge or Dardanelles Bridge is the world’s longest mid-span road suspension bridge situated in Canakkale in northwestern Turkey. The bridge is 3.7 km long and is built over the Dardanelles Strait in the Canakkale province.
The name of the bridge symbolizes the Canakkale Naval Victory of March 18, 1915. It is painted red and white to represent the Turkish flag.
This article discusses the construction features of the 1915 Canakkale Bridge.
Construction Features
- The construction of the 1915 Canakkale Bridge started in December 2017 and was opened for traffic on March 18, 2022. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $3.41 billion.
- This massive structure was constructed by the consulting group COWI for the contractor DLSY. The main objective of the project was to connect Turkey's European and Asian shores by shortening the journey between them to just six minutes.
- The 1915 Canakkale Bridge has a main span of 2,023 meters, side spans of 770 meters, and a tower height of 318 meters. The total length, including the approach bridges, is 4,608 meters.
- The bridge deck carries six lanes, three in each direction, with two walkways on either side.
- The Canakkale Bridge’s concrete deck is suspended from the distinctive 318-meter high red towers. This overall height makes it the second tallest bridge in Turkey.
The positioning and construction of the bridge posed many challenges due to high winds and seismic activity. The use of twin-box girders achieves the aerodynamic stability of the structure.
Two large caissons having a height of 20 m form the foundation pillars of the bridge. These caissons have a surface area of 74x83 meters and are located at a depth of 45 meters.
The 1915 Canakkale Bridge will help improve traffic safety by reducing the number of intersections, which is a major cause of accidents. According to President Erdogan, the project is expected to save $458 million per year by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
FAQs
The bridge is 3.7 km long and is built over the Dardanelles Strait in the Canakkale province of Turkey.
The 1915 Canakkale Bridge was constructed by the consulting group COWI for the contractor DLSY.
The main objective of the 1915 Canakkale Bridge project was to connect Turkey's European and Asian shores by shortening the journey between them to just six minutes. The project will help improve traffic safety by reducing the number of intersections, which is a major cause of accidents. According to President Erdogan, the project is expected to save $458 million per year by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Read More
World’s Largest Canal Lock Opens in the Netherlands
The Colosseum: Construction of the World’s Largest Amphitheater