Contracts for two major road projects in Central Greece have been signed

As it became known a few days ago, the major road project of Evia concerning the Bypass of Chalkida and Psachna was signed. The signatures took place last week, as the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Giorgos Karagiannis, said in his speech yesterday about the major projects in Evia.

The project was undertaken by Mytilineos, which added another major road project to its portfolio after the contract for the completion of the Amvrakia Motorway and the construction (with AVAX) of the Flyover of Regional Thessaloniki. The large company prevailed in the relevant tender with a discount rate of 7.61%.

Let us recall that the tender of the project took place on February 22, 2022, initially with the submission of the files and then with the removal of the offers. The decision that finalized the undertaking of Mytilineos was taken on October 12 by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, which is the contracting authority of the project. The project also passed through Parliament on December 8, 2022, completing the pre-contractual period.

The duration of the project is set at 48 months from the signing of the contract. As long as the projects are not delayed during the construction period, then they can be completed within the first half of 2027.

The first major road project in Evia

It is the first major road project for the Evia region after several years of waiting. The Chalkida and Psachna Bypass is the most important project for the region that will improve transportation in the wider area. The Contracting Authority is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

The cost of the project has been estimated at an amount including VAT of 210 million euros (169.35 million euros without VAT). The main project has a cost including VAT of 125 million euros and the option another 85 million euros. It includes two road sections: the first from Nea Lampsako to the Vathrovouni Tunnel, 2 km long, and then to the Vathrovouni Tunnel section to Psachna, 14.7 km long. Optionally, the sections include:

4. a) the section before Nea Lampsako, towards Chalkida / High Bridge, i.e. the section “A. K. Schimatariou – Nea Lampsakos”, approximately 4.0 km long,
5. b) the section of the Psachna bypass and
6. c) the section of the North-South Evia connecting roads that connect the Liani Ammos junction of the Chalkida bypass with the road network to southern Evia.

The project is financed by NSRF 2021-2027 funds. The tender for the Chalkida and Psachna Bypass was part of a cycle of 4 road works tenders by the Ministry of Infrastructure. Under construction is the section of VOAK Neapolis-Agios Nikolaos. In an advanced tender are also: the extension of Kymi Av. which is a new section of Attiki Odos and the Bralos-Amfissa section of the diagonal axis Lamia-Itea-Antirrio.

The identity of the project

The Chalkida Bypass road with the continuous sections of the Psachna Bypass and the North-South Evia connection roads, is part of the projects to improve the connection between Athens and Chalkida with northern Evia and – at the same time – to decongest the roads of Chalkida. Artakis and Psachna from the passing traffic, which today necessarily passes through these urban areas.

With the construction of the Chalkida Bypass section and the channeling to it of the passing traffic, on the one hand, the traffic that will follow the new road will be facilitated and the travel time will be significantly reduced, but also – at the same time – the traffic conditions in the affected urban areas with a positive effect on the environment and the economic development of the wider region.

With the construction of the continuing sections before Nea Lampsako, to Chalkida / High Bridge and then to the Psachna bypass, and the road connection of North – South Evia and in the future to Istiaea – Edipso, with construction of new and/or reconstruction of existing sections with modern and upgraded geometry, will be attributable to the circulation of a single and safe road axis to Edipsos with the necessary safety and speed characteristics, which will respond to the available tourist and other potential of northern Evia.

The specific object of the project is the complete study and construction of:

1) Of the section of highway section a4vs: N. Lampsakos – Vathrovouniou Tunnel (Km position 4+080 – 6+000). It is noted that from Km position. 4+960 until Km position. 5+400 the above standard highway cross-section is adjusted to a standard cross-section of two traffic lanes b2s, which is also for the entire remaining road axis,

2) Of the road section of the closed type cross-section b2s: Vathrovouniou Tunnel – Psachna (Km position 6+000 – 20+760)

3) Of the sections of option a) the section before Nea Lampsako, towards Chalkida / High Bridge, i.e. the section “A. K. Schimatariou – Nea Lampsakos”, approximately 4.0 km long, b) the section of the Psachna bypass and c) the section of the North-South Evia connection roads that connects the uneven junction Liani Ammos of Chalkida bypass with the road network to southern Evia.