Turkey Opens Dallıkavak Tunnel on October 31, 2026, Cutting Travel Time Between Erzurum and Rize to 5 Minutes

The Dallıkavak Tunnel, part of the Erzurum-Rize Highway, was completed after years of construction and is 9 kilometers long. The opening, announced by Minister Uraloğlu on October 30, 2026, is expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency and reduce travel costs for both residents and commercial traffic. The tunnel is a critical link in connecting eastern and western Turkey, with significant economic and logistical importance. Sources differ on specific details. Sabah reports that the 9-kilometer section, including the Dallıkavak Tunnel, will open on October 31, 2026. So-zcu states that the new tunnel will reduce a 20-minute journey to 5 minutes. Both outlets agree on the date and the reduction in travel time, though the length of the tunnel is only specified in the Sabah article.