A beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the 2nd Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge). I took this photo on December 3, 2023, from Yıldız Technical University Social Facilities, near Rumelihisarı castle.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a significant structure in Istanbul, Turkey, spanning the Bosphorus Strait. Here are some key aspects of the bridge:
- Naming and Significance: Named after the 15th-century Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who captured Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, the bridge symbolizes a historical connection. It carries major highways including the European route E80 and the Asian Highways 1 and 5.
- Location and Design: The bridge connects the European side of Istanbul at Hisarüstü with the Asian side at Kavacık. It is a gravity-anchored suspension bridge with steel pylons and vertical hangers, measuring 1,510 meters (4,955 feet) in length and 39 meters (128 feet) in width. The towers’ height over the road level is 105 meters (344 feet), and the bridge’s clearance from sea level is 64 meters (210 feet) at the highest point.
- Construction: Designed by Freeman Fox & Partners and BOTEK Bosphorus Technical Consulting Corp., the bridge’s construction was completed by a consortium including Japanese, Italian, and Turkish companies. It was opened in 1988 by then Prime Minister Turgut Özal, who was the first to drive across it.
- Traffic and Transportation: The bridge carries four lanes of vehicular traffic plus an emergency lane in each direction. To manage commuter traffic, the lane directions are adjusted during different times of the day. Pedestrian access is not permitted on the bridge. It is a critical route for around 150,000 vehicles daily.
- Toll Collection: The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge operates as a toll bridge, with tolls applicable only for vehicles traveling towards Asia. Cash payments have been replaced by remote payment systems like OGS and HGS since 2008. The toll rates are periodically adjusted, reflecting the region’s economic conditions.
This bridge is not just a transportation link but also a symbol of Istanbul’s cultural and historical continuity, bridging two continents and various eras of history.
I am a software developer and a science enthusiast. I was graduated from the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Computer Engineering. I write about the city of Istanbul on this website. I live in Istanbul since 1992. I am also an animal lover! I take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon [by clicking here], so I can help more animals!
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