Musabeyli Junction–Kilis Road Officially Opened
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu inaugurated the Musabeyli Junction–Kilis Road, a 17.3-kilometre project designed to improve transportation and industrial connections in the region. The road features the 113-meter Afrin Bridge as well as grade-separated junctions at Dümbüllü (53 meters) and Beşenli (37 meters).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Uraloğlu began by extending his condolences to residents of Hatay and Kilis following the recent missile incident in Hatay Dörtyol, emphasizing that the absence of casualties or property loss was a relief. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region while taking all necessary precautions.
Kilis: A Strategic Gateway for Trade and Industry
Historical and Cultural Significance
Minister Uraloğlu highlighted Kilis as a city with deep historical roots, citing landmarks such as Oylum Höyük and Ravanda Castle. The city is described as a living testament to cultural tolerance and coexistence, where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side.
Transport Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Uraloğlu underscored Kilis’s role as a vital connection between Anatolia and the Middle East, serving as a bridge for trade via the Öncüpınar and Çobanbey border gates. He noted the importance of strengthening Kilis’s transport infrastructure to support its industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors.
Over the past 24 years, nearly 10 billion lira has been invested in Kilis’s transport and communication infrastructure. The divided road network has grown from 2 kilometres to 58 kilometres, and 69 kilometres of hot-mix asphalt roads have been constructed. Key projects include the Kilis Ring Road, Kilis-Öncüpınar Road, Kilis-Hassa Road, and connections to earthquake-resilient residential areas.
Benefits of the New Highway Project
Logistics, Industry, and Environmental Impact
The newly completed road is expected to significantly improve traffic flow between the cement factory and the developing Polateli Organized Industrial Zone. The project has reduced travel time on the route to nine minutes and is projected to save 121 million lira annually in time and fuel costs. Additionally, it will help reduce vehicle carbon emissions by 2,408 tons per year.
Future Connections and Regional Development
Minister Uraloğlu also outlined ongoing and future projects, including the Kilis–Elbeyli–Syrian Border Road and the Musabeyli–Nurdağı Road. He stated that, upon completion of the planned tunnels and road sections, Kilis will have a direct high-standard connection to the Iskenderun Port, further boosting trade and economic potential.
This infrastructure initiative is seen not only as a transportation upgrade but as a strategic step to channel Kilis’s industrial, agricultural, and border trade potential into broader national development.
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