The newly installed traffic lights at the Demirhan-Balıkesir Dörtyol junction have officially been activated following an opening ceremony attended by Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler and Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı.

The project marks the resolution of a longstanding issue affecting residents of Demirhan, Balıkesir, and Minareliköy.

Speaking during the ceremony, Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler expressed his gratitude to Minister Arıklı, noting that residents had endured traffic difficulties for over two decades.

He highlighted how people living just 100 meters away had been forced to take a 9-kilometre detour via the Erülkü roundabout.

He praised the successful collaboration between the municipality and the ministry, which led to the construction of a four-lane junction complete with roadside lay-bys added in the final protocol.

Minister Arıklı, for his part, emphasized the importance of cooperation between local authorities and the central government.

He noted the initiative as a strong example of productive collaboration, crediting Mayor Karavezirler for securing unanimous municipal council approval and allocating necessary funding.

“This was a long-standing demand of the people. Demirhan was divided—now we’ve reconnected it,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with both officials pressing the button to inaugurate the new traffic lights.