Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Road-rail bridge in Bosphorus strait, Turkey
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge spans the northern portion of the Bosporus, linking the European and Asian shores of Istanbul along a deck that measures 2164 meters (about 7100 feet) from end to end. The structure carries eight lanes for motor traffic and two railway tracks, rising to a height of 320 meters (roughly 1050 feet) above sea level.
Planning for this third Bosporus crossing began in the early 2000s to handle growing traffic, and the structure opened in 2016. French engineer Michel Virlogeux designed the crossing to meet the seismic requirements of the region.
The crossing takes its name from an Ottoman ruler of the early 16th century and rises between Black Sea ports and the historic urban core. Many locals use it daily for their commute between two continents, passing over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
The crossing charges a toll based on vehicle class, with passenger cars paying 70 Turkish Liras. Travelers approaching the Bosporus from the north can spot the towers from a distance and use the passage in both directions.
The structure uses 176 stay cables, some exceeding half a kilometer in length and containing up to 151 individual strands. These cables carry the full weight of the deck and give the crossing its characteristic shape over the waterway.
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