Olympia Odos extension from Pyrgos to Tsakona: decisions on hold until studies conclude

After the completion of the studies, decisions will be made regarding the implementation of the Pyrgos-Kalo Nero-Tsakona project. According to a response from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to a question posed by New Democracy MP for Messinia, Giannis Lambropoulos, the approval of the studies by the Independent Engineer will determine whether the project should be tendered as a public works project or implemented through a concession agreement.

Since the summer of 2022, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has instructed Olympia Odos to carry out the relevant studies for the section of the road from the Pyrgos Entrance Interchange (A/K) – Alfeios – Kalo Nero – Tsakona.

The main focus of the studies is the preparation of a road design for the section concerning the passage of the motorway through the outskirts of the Municipality of Zacharo, accompanied by supporting studies (new topographic survey, final geological study, geotechnical studies and investigations, Environmental Impact Assessment, etc.).

The aim is to obtain a new environmental permit for the technical solution concerning the motorway’s passage through the outskirts of the Municipality of Zacharo, as the previous permits were revoked in 2010.

The sections that make up the Pyrgos-Kalo Nero-Tsakona route are: Pyrgos – Alfeios, 13 km in length, and Alfeios – Kalo Nero – Tsakona, 76.2 km in length.

Recently, there has been significant activity from local stakeholders regarding the project, who are requesting the implementation of this section, which completes the original design of the Olympia Odos.

Yesterday, a meeting took place between the Regional Governor of the Peloponnese, D. Ptochos, and the board of the Kyparissia Chamber of Commerce, which called for the project planning to move forward. According to the chamber’s representatives, Mr. Ptochos stated that he would support the request for the project’s implementation.

The length of the road currently under new studies is approximately 90 kilometers, with the “critical” section located in the area of Zacharo, from Kato Samiko to the Neda River, on the border between Ilia and Messinia, spanning about 22 kilometers. This is the section where construction was halted 14 years ago due to the cancellation of environmental permits at the time.

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