Ionia Odos Extension to Greek-Albanian Border: Construction Set to Begin by Summer 2025

Preparations are in full swing for the launch of the first projects aimed at upgrading the Ioannina-Kakavia section, which will extend the Ionia Odos highway all the way to the border with Albania.

According to information from ypodomes.com, the project, which is being implemented using the design–build method, is currently in the phase of advanced studies. What does this mean? It means that from the finalized studies already available, the process is now moving on to implementation studies — the ones that will serve as the “blueprint” for constructing the axis. The first works are expected to begin by early summer.

At the same time, according to the same sources, staffing has begun to meet the needs for setting up construction sites. The initial recruitment is focused primarily on essential scientific and technical staff, and the hiring of more personnel will follow in the near future.

Additionally, the necessary expropriations are also underway, with some court cases already held and temporary compensation rates set. However, the first works will not take place in expropriation zones, so this does not currently affect the project’s progress.

At the same time, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has decided to grant a prepayment of €10.58 million to the contractor company, AVAX.

The Overview of the Ioannina–Kakavia Project

The contractor for the project is AVAX, and the total cost of this significant undertaking, including VAT, amounts to €386 million. The project is financed through the EU’s 2021–2027 NSRF (ESPA) funding program. It is considered one of the flagship projects of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

With the Ioannina–Kakavia section, a long period of uncertainty surrounding the project—lasting nearly 20 years—finally comes to an end, and the project is now moving toward implementation, bringing transformative changes to the region. With this addition, the main axis of the Ionia Odos will start from Antirrio, pass through Mesolongi, Agrinio, Arta, Ioannina, and end at the Kakavia border crossing. It is the largest new road infrastructure project in the region of Epirus since the completion of the Ionia Odos in 2017.

The project has a scheduled duration of 54 months, meaning that if there are no delays, it should be completed by June 18, 2029.

Upon completion, drivers will be able to travel on a safe and comfortable road all the way from Antirrio to the Kakavia border crossing.

It is estimated that the full distance of Antirrio–Ioannina–Kakavia, approximately 264 kilometers, will be drivable in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The connection of this road section with the Ionia Odos is expected to bring new development opportunities to the Ioannina region, as it will link the axis to the Ioannina Airport, the Industrial Area (one of the most active regional industrial zones in the country), popular tourist destinations like the Zagorochoria villages, and lift the northern part of the prefecture out of road isolation.

At the same time, the passage between Greece and Albania via Kakavia will become even more attractive, as the journey from Athens to the border will take approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. This, in turn, will lead to improved freight transport between the two countries, especially since infrastructure works are also underway on the Albanian side to enhance the continuity of the Ionia Odos corridor.

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