Archeological Find Slows Rail Progress in Turkey

Posted by: Tim Halbur
Thanks to: Sean Holden

1 December 2009 - 6:00am

A planned tunnel under the Bosphorus to connect Asia and Europe by rail has ground to a halt because of the extensive archeological discoveries at the dig.

A Byzantine century port was discovered at the dig site, loaded with historic boats and clay pots.

"[T]he port's discovery by the tunnel excavation is proving to be a nightmare for its builders.

Fifty meters below the Bosphorus waterway, workers are toiling away to make up for the three years lost to the archeology excavation. The tunnel, when complete, will allow subway trains to run the length of the city carrying a million of people a day."

Full Story: History Impedes Progress on Istanbul Transportation Project

Source: Voice Of America, November 26, 2009