The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge since 2016, is one of the two bridges that span the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting the European part of the city to the Asian side. Here are detailed insights into this iconic structure:
The bridge was designed by British engineers Freeman Fox & Partners and constructed by the Istanbul Technical University with contributions from international companies. The design is a suspension bridge with a total length of 1,560 meters, including the approaches, and a main span of 1,074 meters, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe at the time of its construction.
The bridge was opened to traffic on October 30, 1973, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. It played a pivotal role in reducing travel time between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, significantly impacting the city's urban development and traffic flow.
Originally named the Bosphorus Bridge, it was renamed to 15 July Martyrs Bridge in 2016 to honor the people who died during an attempted coup against the government on July 15, 2016.
The bridge's main cables are made of 11,618 steel wires, and the towers rise to 165 meters above sea level. The construction involved advanced engineering techniques for the time, including the use of large, floating cranes to install the steel cables.
The bridge has not only facilitated daily commutes but has also become a symbol of modern Turkey. It has been featured in numerous cultural events, tourism promotions, and is often depicted in photographs and films set in Istanbul.
It carries an average of 120,000 vehicles daily, with tolls collected in both directions. Traffic congestion has led to discussions on expanding or building additional bridges and tunnels.
Over the years, the bridge has required substantial maintenance due to the harsh environmental conditions of the Bosphorus, including strong winds and salty air, which can accelerate corrosion and structural wear.
With the city's population growth and increased vehicle usage, plans for new infrastructure to alleviate traffic have been proposed, including the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the Eurasia Tunnel.
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