Kastamonu road closure causes ongoing transit issues

Residents in the Cide district of Kastamonu are expressing frustration over the prolonged closure of the Cide-Bartın highway. The road has been inaccessible for approximately 14 months due to landslides in the Kalafat neighborhood.

Currently, traffic is being diverted through a single-lane, 5-kilometer village road. This detour has caused significant disruptions, as heavy vehicles struggle to pass one another, leading to frequent accidents and long traffic queues. Travelers, including those using buses to reach Bartın State Hospital or other cities, report being stranded for hours when accidents block the narrow service road.

Local citizens and advocates have criticized the slow pace of repair work by the Highways Department, citing serious concerns regarding traffic safety, especially with the winter season approaching.