Rize New Southern Ring Road
The Sunko Proje–Mega Mühendislik Joint Venture is undertaking the survey and design studies for the Rize New Southern Ring Road, planned by the General Directorate of Highways.
The approximately 31.5-kilometre route is being designed as a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction. In addition to the road itself, the project encompasses tunnels, bridges and viaducts, junctions, retaining structures, and drainage systems.
A Route Adapted to Rize’s Terrain
Designing a new road in Rize involves much more than identifying the shortest route between two points. Steep slopes, deep valleys, heavy rainfall, surface water, landslide risks, and residential areas call for different engineering decisions along each section of the route.
The studies therefore began with the identification of alternative alignments. These initial options are being compared in terms of construction challenges, tunnel and bridge requirements, geological conditions, environmental impacts, and cost. Detailed investigations will inform the selection of the safest, most feasible, and most economical alignment.
Integrated Design of Roads, Tunnels, and Bridges
The 31.5-kilometre dual carriageway forms the backbone of the project. Road geometry is being developed in conjunction with terrain conditions, traffic safety requirements, and the engineering structures along the route.
The project is expected to include the design of 18 junctions, approximately 24,821 m² of bridge and viaduct deck area, and approximately 2.7 kilometres of tunnels. Structural systems and foundation options for the bridges are being evaluated in terms of construction methods, seismic safety, maintenance requirements, cost, and compatibility with the surroundings. Tunnel studies consider rock and ground conditions, portal areas, excavation methods, and support systems as an integrated whole.
Understanding the Ground Before Design Begins
Given Rize’s variable ground conditions, geological and geotechnical investigations constitute one of the most important components of the project. A drilling programme totalling approximately 9.4 kilometres has been planned along the route, together with field tests, geophysical surveys, and laboratory testing.
These investigations identify landslide-prone areas, slope behaviour, foundation conditions, and ground improvement requirements. The findings directly inform the design of tunnels, bridges, viaducts, retaining structures, and the road itself.
Safely conveying water away from the road is another key design consideration in this high-rainfall region. Stream crossings, surface runoff, and flood risks are being assessed to develop drainage and hydraulic structure designs for the entire route.
A Transport Investment in Rize’s Future
Once completed, the Rize New Southern Ring Road is intended to reduce through traffic in the city centre, improve the safety of urban transport, and strengthen Rize’s regional transport connections.
Bringing together its road, bridge, tunnel, geotechnical, and hydrology teams, Sunko Proje continues to develop safe and buildable transport infrastructure tailored to Rize’s distinctive terrain.
Project Information
Client: General Directorate of Highways
Design Consultant: Sunko Proje A.Ş.–Mega Mühendislik Joint Venture
Location: Rize, Türkiye
Route Length: Approximately 31.5 km
Road Standard: Dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction
Scope of Services: Surveys and investigations; route alignment; road, tunnel, bridge, viaduct, junction, geotechnical, drainage, and traffic safety design