Prequalification applications have been invited by 18 July for the construction on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis of the $750 million Izmit bay crossing. Keen interest has already been expressed by around 28 companies or consortia to the State Highways Directorate (KGM), but they will have to re-apply (see Tenders; MEED 18:3:94).

The way forward for BOT schemes was cleared by fundamental legislation approved in June (MEED 24:6:94). Prime ministry approval has already been granted under an austerity review of investment expenditure. BOT projects take high priority in the review; being private-sector franchises ostensibly they do not place a burden on the exchequer.

Consultant to KGM for the crossing is a venture of Canada's Delcan and the local DAP. The crossing will run from Dilovasi near Izmit to Orhangazi near Bursa. Its total length of about 50 kilometres of dual, three-lane motorway will include a bridge or combination of bridges about 3.5 kilometres in length across Izmit bay itself, together with approach viaducts.

The prime ministry has not yet decided on the fate of another major bridge crossing planned for the Dardanelles straits. Design work is proceeding on this $600 million-plus project by a venture of the UK's Brown Beech & Associates with the local Botek (MEED 27:8:93).