VEGETATION OVERGROWTH REDUCING PERIPHERAL VISION ON SIDE ROADS IN CATALKOY

Location: Çatalköy

In certain feeder roads connecting upper and lower Catalkoy to the main corridor, vegetation plays a structural role in visibility. Hedges, trees and unmanaged roadside growth do not block the entire roadway. They narrow peripheral vision at junction thresholds.

The exposure is not complete obstruction.

It is partial concealment.

A common scenario unfolds at a minor side road approaching the main east–west axis. A driver prepares to merge. The forward view appears clear. However, vegetation extending from private boundaries or roadside embankments limits lateral visibility by several degrees.

The driver must edge forward incrementally to see oncoming traffic fully.

This incremental positioning creates hesitation.

Meanwhile, vehicles traveling along the main corridor do not anticipate partial entry from the side road. When the nose of the merging vehicle becomes visible, reaction timing shortens.

Even when merging occurs safely, braking compression forms behind the approaching traffic.

Vegetation overgrowth intensifies during late spring and summer when growth accelerates. Without trimming, branches and leaves encroach slightly toward sightline corridors.

Upper Catalkoy segments are particularly sensitive. Sloped terrain combined with vegetation at eye level creates a layered obstruction effect. Drivers descending from higher elevation may not see a side vehicle until closer than expected.

Nighttime amplifies the pattern.

Under headlight illumination, vegetation edges reflect light irregularly. The contrast between dark foliage and asphalt reduces clarity. Depth perception toward junction openings flattens.

Another variation occurs after rainfall. Wet leaves darken and absorb more light, reducing visual distinction further.

Importantly, the road width remains unchanged. Lane markings remain visible. The exposure lies in the few degrees of lateral vision required to judge merging gaps accurately.

Drivers exiting side roads often rely on habit. They may know typical traffic flow speed and attempt entry based on expectation rather than full visual confirmation.

When growth narrows peripheral angles, expectation becomes less reliable.

In Catalkoy’s mixed-use structure, feeder roads are numerous. Not all are equally affected. The most sensitive are those positioned on slight curves of the main axis where lateral sightlines are already reduced by geometry.

The result is not high-speed collision.

It is repeated micro-hesitation at junction thresholds.

The main road continues to function normally. The side road interaction becomes compressed.

Over time, regular trimming restores visibility and reduces exposure. Yet seasonal regrowth means the pattern reappears periodically.

The road design does not fail.

The visual corridor tightens.

In Catalkoy, vegetation is part of the landscape identity. When growth encroaches on sightlines, it reshapes driver timing more than drivers consciously notice.

Peripheral degrees matter.

When they narrow, reaction windows shrink with them.