Turkey's Tersun Dağı Tunnel Project Aims to Cut Travel Time and Boost Regional Trade

Academics from Gümüşhane University have released a study on the Tersun Dağı Tunnel, a proposed 4.5‑5 km tunnel that would shorten the existing 29 km mountain road to about 12.5 km. The tunnel is intended to create a new north‑south transport corridor linking the Black Sea with the Mediterranean, reducing travel time, improving safety, and lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The researchers argue that the project would strengthen Gümüşhane’s logistical position, attract investment, and support regional economic development. They note that the region benefits from the “6th Region incentives” and that winter road conditions currently force freight carriers to detour, a problem the tunnel would resolve.

"We found a serious gap in previous studies and believe this tunnel can overcome the mountain and climate challenges, similar to the New Zigana Tunnel," said Doç. Dr. Mehmet Tevfik Seferoğlu. Transport operators such as Cemal Çelikkanat and Alişan Atıcı expressed strong support, citing winter difficulties and the need for a safer, shorter route.