Traffic levels in Istanbul remained relatively low during the morning hours on the first working day of the new year, as snowfall and icy conditions led to the temporary suspension of education in several districts.
Due to icy roads and safety concerns, schools in five districts were closed for one day, reducing the number of commuters and easing congestion across the city. As a result, the typical rush-hour traffic was not observed on Friday morning.
On the European side of the city, traffic on the D-100 highway between Avcılar and Küçükçekmece in the direction of Topkapı was flowing smoothly with moderate density. On the TEM motorway, some slowdowns were reported between the Avcılar toll booths and Mahmutbey, while traffic on the Basın Ekspres Road remained busy but moving in both directions.
On the Asian side, the D-100 highway towards Edirne showed steady but flowing traffic around Pendik, Maltepe, and Ataşehir. Congestion was also observed on the TEM motorway in the Ataşehir and Ümraniye sections.
Traffic towards the July 15 Martyrs Bridge increased from Üsküdar up to the bridge entrance, while drivers were seen proceeding cautiously due to icy patches on roads and sidewalks.
According to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Traffic Application, citywide traffic density was measured at 31 percent as of 9:20 a.m.
Authorities urged drivers and pedestrians to remain cautious as icy conditions persist in some areas following the recent snowfall.
source: AA
