Argiroupoli Tunnel: An essential addition to Southern Athens’ infrastructure

The discourse about the resurrections (or not) of the projects related to Attica Motorway’s extensions are becoming more and more vibrant lately. Recently, information deriving from the Ministry of Infrastructure suggested either the projects’ inclusion into EFSI (aka Juncker Plan) or their funding in the framework of a PPP scheme.

The same information indicates an underground extension of Western Hemittus Ring Road and a Kimis Av. extension to Lavrion. All these proposals, of course, are, for the time being, working theories rather than solid project studies or technocratic intentions. What is not mentioned at all in the aforementioned scenarios, is the “forsaken”, Argiroupoli Tunnel project which has always been a steady accompaniment of Attica Motorway’s extensions.

The most suitable location for the tunnel’s construction is the narrowest point of Hemittus mountain, which faces Koropi on the other side (adjacent to the Airport) and is just 7 km away from Attica Motorway, therefore providing swift access to Athens International Airport. It is roughly estimated that the tunnel, along with its necessary road connections at both sides of the perforation (i.e. Vouliagmeni Av. in the southern suburbs of Athens and a new road link to Koropi and Attica Motorway), will be no longer than 10-12 km in total.

The benefits of this project are expected to be immense, especially for the residents of the capital’s southern suburbs, as the time distance could be diminished, compared to the current average time of 45 minutes with usual traffic. Other road axes will also be relieved as a new alternative will emerge, resulting in a smoother distribution of the traffic in general.

Transportation analysts identify Argiroupoli Tunnel project as one of the most relevant pieces of infrastructure that Athens should prioritize, especially in the context of the under-development, 8bn-euro investment at Hellinikon area, that will cause a touristic boom and shape a new traffic equilibrium definitely calling for more drastic solutions.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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