The major projects were mentioned by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, where, among other things, he spoke about the Metamorfosis interchange and the E65.
Speaking to ERTnews, he emphasized regarding the traffic problems faced by residents in Attica that “there are no magic solutions, but significant measures have already been set in motion.” In fact, he revealed that in the coming weeks, the contract for the Skaramanga triple interchange—a project with a budget of 70 million euros—will be signed.
At the same time, speaking about the railway, he stated that the Athens – Thessaloniki will be fully restored by summer, while he announced that the opening of the E65 highway has been postponed to July for safety-related reasons.
Speaking on the program “Weekend at 5,” Mr. Dimas referred to the projects currently underway to address traffic congestion in Attica, stating that the completion of the Skaramanga triple interchange will connect the Egaleo Ring Road with LSchistos Avenue and the Athens–Corinth National Highway, while at the same time traffic lights in the area will be removed and a significant alternative route for heavy vehicles will be created.
“This will take three years from the time the contract is signed. The cost is approximately 70 million euros, and it is a very important project,” he noted. He also emphasized that the project at the Metamorfosis interchange will be completed by 2026. Explaining what will change, the minister stated: “Currently, vehicles coming from the airport are forced to yield to those traveling from Elefsina, creating the well-known ‘bottleneck effect.’ With the new configuration, vehicles will enter the National Highway from different lanes, significantly reducing traffic congestion.”
Tunnel boring machines are moving forward on Line 4 – There are no plans to install tolls at the Varibombi interchange
Speaking about the progress of Metro projects, he noted that “two months ago, the first tunnel boring machine on Line 4 completed its route.” The second one, “Niki,” has already passed through Kypseli, and the goal is for it to complete the tunnel excavation by the end of the year as well. Regarding the replacement of the bus fleet, he emphasized that “the complete renewal of the city bus fleet in Athens and Thessaloniki is moving forward with new, modern vehicles featuring low-emission technology that are fully accessible to everyone”.
When asked if there are plans to install tolls at the Varibombi interchange, he replied in the negative: “We have no plans to install tolls,” he said, adding that “This is a decision that the Greek government made many, many years ago, even though the concession agreement provided for tolls.”
Regarding the E65 highway and why it will not be delivered by June, as originally planned, he added: “The E65 is an extremely important highway connecting Central Greece with Thessaly, Western Macedonia, and Epirus. The opening, all things being equal, will take place in July. The slight delay in the schedule is due to the fact that we are examining specific geological phenomena and carrying out the necessary interventions to ensure it can be opened to traffic with absolute safety. The highway is essentially ready.”
The Athens–Thessaloniki line will be replaced this summer
Regarding the rail line from Athens – Thessaloniki railway line, he stated that “ the projects are progressing at an extremely satisfactory pace.” As Mr. Dimas told the show’s reporters, Dimitris Kottaridis and Nina Kasimati, he noted: “The railway will be restored by summer. The ministry is making full use of the resources from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. For the restoration projects related to Daniel, which include the railway line, the amount of funding is approaching 600 million euros.”
Regarding the development of the railway network, he noted: “The further development of the railway is a strategic choice. The expansion of electrification beyond Kiato is moving forward, while initiatives are being planned to strengthen the country’s connectivity both domestically and with the Western Balkans. “We are discussing projects that will connect the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Alexandroupoli with the ports of Bulgaria and Romania via the railway network”.
Speaking about air navigation systems and radar issues, the Minister of Transportation emphasized that “Over the past year, in cooperation with the European Commission, a comprehensive action plan comprising approximately 300 measures has been implemented to upgrade air navigation systems. The contract for the new voice communication system between pilots and control towers has already been signed, while in early July we will sign the contract for the aircraft approach system, and at the same time, negotiations are proceeding for the upgrade of the country’s central air navigation system”.
Self-sufficiency is an achievable goal
When asked about the political landscape and New Democracy’s goal of self-sufficiency in the upcoming elections, Mr. Dimas stated that “a majority government is an achievable goal, and that is the goal we have set. We are committed to implementing our government program, and we will be judged by Greek citizens at the end of our term.”
Finally, responding to the possibility of a political move by Antonis Samaras: “My view is that it will not deprive New Democracy of its majority. Mr. Samaras belongs to and should remain in New Democracy. Beyond that, everyone makes their own decisions and is obviously judged on them.”
