Tram Line extension to Piraeus expected to operate by Summer 2018

We are now just a few months away from the completion of the Tram network’s extension works from Faleron to Piraeus. The project was protracted due to several bureaucratic issues and the existence of multiple ancient findings just a few centimetres from the roads’ surface but now it has really entered its final stage. According to Attiko Metro’s officials, there are just 2 work fronts as far as the track-laying works are concerned.

The first front is at Omiridou Skilitsi St., in an area where a flea market normally operates on Sundays, thus demanding, potentially, its transfer in another neighbourhood of Piraeus once the Tram goes operational. With the completion of the upgrade works in Omiridou Skilitsi St., we will see an impressive transformation: from a downgraded road, it will become a contemporary urban avenue of Piraeus’ emerging city centre. The second front is located at the junction of Iroon Politechniou and V. Georgiou Streets till the end of the line. For that section, archaeological surveys and utilities’ networks overrides are the 2 main steps before the constructor proceeds in the tracks’ installation.

The Substation’s construction is another very interesting element of the extension project as the establishments of the old Town Hall were found on the specific site. Nevertheless, the Modern Monuments’ Council approved their complete removal in order for the works to proceed as planned.

Generally, the construction works are expected to finish by the end of the year. Till then, the installation of all necessary electromechanical equipment, overhead electric cables, telematics information system for the passengers and the construction of a remaining 4, out of 11 in total, Tram stations will be concluded as well.

In the beginning of next year an on, trial itineraries will start on the line and last for a few months, allowing the extension to become commercially available by Summer 2018. It is reminded that the extension’s single-track route will be as follows: From Peace and Friendship (SEF) Stadium (current terminal) to Piraeus Port, Posidonos Coast (new terminal) and via Ethnikis Antistaseos to Omiridou Skilitsi and all the way back.

Within 200 m. from the new terminal there will be a Metro Station, a Suburban Railway Station and direct access to Piraeus Port. The extension works for the Tram Line has been a long story, dating back almost 8 years. In 2009, the original tender took place but it took 4 more years for the contract to be finally signed. The first release date was set for February 2015, an estimation that went quite off target, as, with an optimistic scenario in mind, the project will be released with a 3 years’ delay.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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