The Possible Effects of Gebze-Izmir Highway on Gas Stations and Facilities for Recreation on Balikesir-Susurluk Road

Abstract

With high traffic density all over year, Balikesir-Susurluk Highway connects Istanbul, Bursa and Bandirma to Manisa, Izmir and Edremit through Balikesir. There are many way stations, meeting the needs of passengers and vehicles, along this highway (11 way stations, 33 gas stations). In winter 1250 people work at those way stations and this number increases to 1850 in summer. When the Gebze-Izmir Superhighway is completed, there will be a decrease of %70 of vehicles which use Balikesir-Susurluk highway. Therefore most of the way stations would go into liquidation or would become small thus labor demand will decrease. People may be unemployed by these enterprises which are very important role in the employment of people living in Susurluk can be provided with some jobs in animal based industrial enterprises installed in accordance with region's condition.