A programmatic contract worth €1.14 million has been signed for the radical redevelopment of the eastern road access to the city, an amount to be covered by the Attica Region.
The signing of a programmatic contract for the radical redevelopment of the eastern road – entrance to Elefsina, was made by the Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias. This is a project of key importance for the region, with a total budget of 1,140,000 euros (plus VAT), which will be financed entirely from the Region of Attica’s own resources and is part of the wider planning for the upgrading of critical urban infrastructure in West Attica.
This intervention is expected to redefine the character and function of the main access road to Elefsina from the centre of Athens, a road of particular historical, functional and symbolic importance, as it largely follows the route of the ancient Sacred Way. The intervention extends from the Athens-Corinth National Road to the intersection with Oceanides Street (south) and Gela Avenue (north), for a total length of approximately 850 metres.
At the heart of the redevelopment is the declared archaeological monument of the Roman Bridge,which is located in the middle and southern part of the eastern entrance and is an emblematic landmark of the area. The redevelopment treats the monument as an organic element of the urban landscape, seeking its substantial enhancement and integration into the modern public space.
The programmatic contract was co-signed at theDistrict Administration Building by Mayor of Elefsina George Georgopoulos, the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Development Organization “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.”, Dimitris Fragakis and the CEO of the same organization, George Kormas.
The said entity undertakes the full maturation and implementation of the project, including the updating and approval of the tender documents, the award procedure, the execution, the supervision and all administrative and technical procedures.
In addition to its alignment with the principles of sustainable mobility, universal accessibility, road safety and environmental upgrading, the project responds to the chronic operational needs of the area, upgrading the infrastructure and improving the travel and daily experience of residents and visitors.
Specifically, the following work is expected to take place:
–Pedestrian sidewalk reconstruction and widening:
Extensive widening and reconstruction of sidewalks along Iera Street, in the section from the end of the Sarantopotamos Stream Bridge to Oceanides Street, with the installation of new modern pavements that ensure durability and safety in use.
– YStructures of universal accessibility:
Placement of blind routes along the entire length of the new sidewalks, as well as the construction of ramps for the disabled at the ends of the blocks and at the points where pedestrian crossings are foreseen, ensuring the smooth and equal movement of all users.
– Road reconstruction and traffic interventions:
Interventions in the sections of the roadway where the sidewalks are widened, as well as restructuring of the bus stops of the OASA and tourist buses, in order to improve traffic and passenger service.
– Stormwater management works:
Construction and upgrading of stormwater drainage infrastructure to ensure efficient roadway drainage and flood control.
– Greenery and environmental upgrading:
New plantings along the intervention, combined with the enhancement and reinforcement of existing greenery, contributing to the improvement of the microclimate and aesthetics of the area.
– Modernization of lighting:
Replacement of existing luminaires with new, modern, energy-efficient luminaires along the entire length of the redevelopment, enhancing road safety and the sense of security for citizens.
– Installation of new equipment:
Provision and installation of new equipment, such as seating and litter baskets, that enhance the functionality and appearance of the public realm.
– Horizontal signage:
New pavement striping with continuous signage at street boundaries and transverse signage at pedestrian crossings, in accordance with the design provisions.
– Crosswalk Signage and Traffic Control:
Installing new signage to enhance road safety, including signs for pedestrian crossings, lowering the speed limit on Holy Street, and informing drivers of lane reductions.
– Promotion of the Roman Bridge:
Specific interventions in the area surrounding the monument, including the colouring of the existing wall of the New National Road in the area of the archaeological site and the lower crossing, and the relocation of an existing D.E.E. pole from the north-east corner of the enclosure, in order to ensure the seamless visual and functional promotion of the monument.
As emphasized by Nikos Hardalias, Governor of Attica, after the signing of the programmatic contract:
“The eastern entrance of Elefsina is a place with multiple levels of importance – functional, historical and symbolic. It is the first point of contact between the city and the visitor, but also an axis that carries the memory of the ancient Sacred Way and the timeless identity of the region. With the project we are launching today, we are moving towards a comprehensive upgrade that redefines the public space in terms of modern, functional and sustainable.
We are investing 1.5 million euros from the Region of Attica’s own resources, proving in practice that our priority is projects with a direct and measurable impact on the daily lives of citizens. We are creating a safe, accessible and friendly environment for everyone – pedestrians, people with disabilities, drivers, visitors. At the same time, we incorporate modern environmental and technical standards that meet the requirements of sustainable urban development. We also attach particular importance to the promotion of the Roman Bridge, a monument of outstanding historical value, which will gain greater visibility after the completion of the interventions. We are proceeding with speed, methodology and transparency, so that the project is implemented in the best possible way and within the planned timeframe.
Attica is changing with interventions of substance. With projects that respect history, upgrade the present and create the conditions for a more sustainable and humane future for all.”
For his part, Elefsina Mayor George Georgopoulos said:
“The signing of the programmatic contract for the redevelopment of the eastern entrance of Elefsina is an essential step in the upgrading of our city. I thank the Attica Region Governor Nikos Chardalias for supporting and funding a project of key importance. The intervention redefines a key gateway to the city, while highlighting both the historical route of the Iera Odou and the monument of the Roman Bridge of Elefsina. With an emphasis on sustainable mobility, accessibility and safety, we are moving towards a more functional and more human Elefsina.”
The General Director of the Local Government Development Agency “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” Efi Filioopoulou, the Director of Development Planning of Attica Region, Mary Miska, the Deputy Mayor of Technical Services of the Municipality of Elefsina Marianna Kondyli and the Deputy Mayor of Finance and Administrative Services, Georgios Tsamis