The BOVK works on the Neapolis-Agios Nikolaos section is progressing on a modern motorway with 350 workers, 180 machines and first 10km ready in summer.
One of the most important road projects of recent decades in Crete is in full swing, with the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) entering the intensive implementation phase in the Neapolis-Agios Nikolaos section, where interventions are transforming the existing road into a modern motorway of European standards. The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, is overseeing the progress of a project funded by the Recovery Fund and the Public Investment Programme, which is progressing at an increased pace and with a strong presence of manpower and machinery, while the progress of the works is already being reflected on the ground with extensive widening, new uneven nodes and upgraded infrastructure that are expected to radically change the travel patterns in Lasithi and on the island as a whole.
The worksite of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (N.O.A.K.)on the Neapolis – Agios Nikolaos public project was visited, today, by Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas.
The project
The project consists of the conversion of the Neapolis – Agios Nikolaos road section into a modern motorway, as part of the new B.O.A.K..
Specifically, the works concern the improvement – widening of the existing section, with the construction of a four-lane arterial road, two lanes and LEA per direction, separated traffic lane, with a total width of 22.25 m.
The length of the arterial road is approximately 14.5 km and extends from the first entrance of Neapolis to the Kritzas junction in Agios Nikolaos, while three on-grade junctions will also be created: Neapolis, Lakes and Agios Nikolaos.
The project also includes the construction of a complete network of transverse and side roads to serve the neighbouring areas and connect them to the main road. The total length of this network is approximately 11 km.
The placement
After the site inspection, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas said:
“The work to upgrade the Neapolis – Agios Nikolaos road section into a modern motorway is proceeding at a rapid pace, which, in fact, will be intensified. At the moment 350 people are employed at the construction site and 130 machines are operating, the number of which will increase to 180 from next week. Consequently, we estimate that the first 10 km of the total 14 km of the project will be completed by the summer. This means that in the coming months the citizens of Crete, with the residents of Lassithi being the first to use the first modern section of the Northern Motorway of Crete. The new N.O.A.K. is therefore becoming a reality. We will continue to work intensively and persistently to deliver to the citizens of Crete a safe and modern road network, which will change the travel patterns on the island and enhance social cohesion and economic activity.”
The project is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the Public Investment Programme.
