Pirinkayalar Tunnel

In the east of Türkiye, the Pirinkayalar Tunnel connects Erzurum with Artvin, constructed to overcome geographical challenges and enhance driving safety. Opened on 29 December 2021, tunnel lies within the boundaries of Uzundere district in Erzurum and is situated along the Erzurum–Artvin black route extending to Georgia. The tunnel aims to eliminate traffic problems caused by sharp curves and harsh winter conditions by bypassing the difficult Pirinkayalar Pass.

• Length: 2,272 metres.
• Approach Road Length: 1,070 metres.
• Total Transport Route: 3,342 metres.
• Structure Type: Single tube and two-way road.
• Time Savings: Travel time reduced from 20 minutes to 5 minutes.
• Distance Reduction: 680 metres.

The tunnel was constructed with environmental sensitivity in mind, as it is located within the 1. degree natural site area.

• Traffic Safety: The tunnel has significantly reduced accidents caused by icing and sharp curves, especially during winter months.
• Fuel Savings: Approximately 150 million TL in fuel and time savings has been achieved over 2.5 years.
• Regional Connectivity: It safely links Erzurum and Artvin with the Black Sea coastal road, Artvin Port, and the Sarp Border Gate.
• Tourism and Trade: It facilitates access to natural and historical sites within Uzundere district, including Tortum Lake, Tortum Waterfall, Yedigöller, and Öşvank Church, thereby promoting tourism.

The Pirinkayalar Tunnel is a project carried out by the General Directorate of Highways and completed with the support of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Initiated under the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the tunnel was designed as a single tube to ensure the safety of heavy-duty vehicles. During construction:

• Engineering solutions were developed to suit the steep and rocky terrain.
• Traffic congestion was reduced and road standards were improved.
• Real-time traffic monitoring and instant alerts were implemented using the next-generation A2-VCA Incident Detection System.

• Regional Development: It is expected to accelerate commercial flow between the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
• New Tunnel Projects: The region’s transport infrastructure is planned to be strengthened through new projects such as the Kırık Tunnel (14,200 metres), Dallıkavak Tunnel (6,200 metres), and Kop Tunnel (13,000 metres).
• Environmentally Friendly Transport: It aims to provide a sustainable transport alternative by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The Pirinkayalar Tunnel provides a safer, more reliable and economically efficient transport alternative between Erzurum and Artvin, as well as the Caucasus region, compared to previous routes, thereby contributing to Türkiye’s transport infrastructure.