Crete’s New Motorway Takes Shape: Construction Of The Third and Final Section Set to Begin Shortly

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos gave a very interesting interview exclusively to the fourth episode of “Building the Future”, a production by “Imerisia” in collaboration with ypodomes.com and supported by the AKTOR GROUP of companies.

Regarding the major projects in Crete, the Deputy Minister made a special reference to the BOAK (Northern Road Axis of Crete). As he mentioned, the construction of BOAK is being carried out in three sections. Of these, two of the three sections are already under construction: the Hersonissos–Neapoli section (GEK TERNA–AKTOR CONCESSIONS–AKTOR GROUP) and the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos section (AKTOR). According to Mr. Tachiaos, construction on the Chania–Heraklion section will begin very soon. The entire project is being funded in part by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Speaking of the Chania–Heraklion section, he noted that it is a particularly challenging project, and he expressed a positive stance toward finding solutions to the appeals regarding the Heraklion and Malevizi bypasses.

As for the new airport in Kastelli, he emphasized that the construction is well advanced. At the same time, the sewerage network project for Kastelli and the associated flood protection works are also progressing.

Mr. Tachiaos also informed that a decision has been made to construct a 3-kilometer double tunnel connecting BOAK with the airport in Kastelli. Its construction will begin as soon as the updated environmental study is approved.

Major Projects

The Deputy Minister spoke about the major projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and made a specific reference to the Patras–Pyrgos project. He noted that the road will be gradually opened to traffic in two phases—one in the summer and the other at the end of the year. It’s worth mentioning that both Minister Christos Dimas and Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos visited the construction sites of the Patras–Pyrgos project on Monday.

He then discussed other major projects, such as the northern section of the E65 motorway, which completes the Lamia–Grevena corridor. This project is also funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. He also highlighted the significance of the flyover on Thessaloniki’s Ring Road and the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro toward Kalamaria.

Mr. Tachiaos emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Northern Greece, such as the Thessaloniki–Edessa, Drama–Amphipolis road projects, and the construction of 17 new schools. He also commented that the concession of the Egnatia Odos must move forward, as there are pending conditions that need to be resolved for the tender to be finalized—where GEK TERNA is the designated concessionaire. He further revealed that, under the Egnatia Odos concession contract, the Chalastra–Evzoni axis will be upgraded.

Finally, he stressed the importance of hydraulic works being carried out in various parts of the country, which are related either to irrigation or to flood protection.

Projects in Thessaloniki

Regarding the major projects in Thessaloniki, the Deputy Minister stated that the Metro and the flyover will significantly improve transportation.

“The Metro has already made it easier for Thessaloniki residents to get around, and together with the flyover, these projects will transform the city,” he said.

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure reiterated that the extension of the Metro toward Kalamaria will be operational by the end of the year. He emphasized that this is a challenging undertaking, as it involves coordinating six different contracts.

During Holy Week, the first of the 15 additional trains for the Thessaloniki Metro will arrive, he added. Furthermore, the flyover is scheduled to be completed and put into operation on May 16, 2027, marking the completion of the city’s two landmark transport projects.

For more details and the complete article in Greek, click here