Zekeriyaköy and Uskumruköy, farthest districts from polution and noise pollution in Istanbul have met with noise pollution after highways for the 3rd Bosphorus Brigde has opened for public.

Trying to find a solution dwellers have started to collect signatures in order to get noise barriers installed.

Dwellers stated that, the reason that made them move to the district was to be in tranquility and be with nature, but after the bridge and highway there is no way to sleep with the windows open. The highway being straight and wide lets drivers and riders speed at nights. The sound of speeding vehicles and trucks reach residental sites and making them unable to sleep.

Seeing the noise barrier as only option, dwellers are collecting signatures. Manager of a houseing site, Seçkin Usta stated that, “It is very important to install the noise barriers as soon as possible. People live here because of the silence and tranquility. According to EU norms and the rules of Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation states that any noise over 45 Db is a threat to human health. Zekeriyaköy, Uskumruköy and Kilyons will be adversely affected.

Noise barriers are being used in Riva after residents were disturbed by the highway sound, two meter platforms reduce the high noise and prevent it from spreading.

Ezgi Çapa – Özkan Arslan / İstanbul DHA