The major projects<\/b> were mentioned by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport<\/b>, Christos Dimas,\u00a0<\/b>where, among other things, he spoke about the Metamorfosis interchange<\/b> and the E65<\/b>. <\/p>\n
Speaking to ERTnews, he emphasized regarding the traffic problems faced by residents in Attica that \u201cthere are no magic solutions, but significant measures have already been set in motion<\/i>.\u201d In fact, he revealed that in the coming weeks, the contract for the Skaramanga triple interchange<\/b>\u2014a project with a budget of 70 million euros<\/b>\u2014will be signed. <\/p>\n
At the same time, speaking about the railway, he stated that the Athens \u2013 Thessaloniki<\/b> will be fully restored by summer<\/b>, while he announced that the opening of the E65 highway<\/b> has been postponed to July for safety-related reasons. <\/p>\n
Speaking on the program \u201cWeekend at 5,\u201d Mr. Dimas<\/b> 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\u2013Corinth 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. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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<\/i>,\u201d he noted. He also emphasized that the project at the Metamorfosis interchange will be completed by 2026. Explaining what will change, the minister stated: \u201cCurrently, vehicles coming from the airport are forced to yield to those traveling from Elefsina, creating the well-known \u2018bottleneck effect.\u2019 With the new configuration, vehicles will enter the National Highway from different lanes, significantly reducing traffic congestion<\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n Tunnel boring machines are moving forward on Line 4 \u2013 There are no plans to install tolls at the Varibombi interchange <\/h3>\n
Speaking about the progress of Metro projects<\/b>, he noted that \u201ctwo months ago, the first tunnel boring machine on Line 4 completed its route<\/i>.\u201d The second one, \u201cNiki,\u201d 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<\/b>, he emphasized that \u201cthe 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<\/i>\u201d. <\/p>\n
When asked if there are plans to install tolls at the Varibombi interchange<\/b>, he replied in the negative<\/b>: \u201cWe have no plans to install tolls<\/i>,\u201d he said, adding that \u201cThis is a decision that the Greek government made many, many years ago, even though the concession agreement provided for tolls<\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n
Regarding the E65 highway<\/b> and why it will not be delivered by June, as originally planned, he added: \u201cThe 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<\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n The Athens\u2013Thessaloniki line will be replaced this summer <\/h3>\n
Regarding the rail line from Athens \u2013 Thessaloniki <\/b> railway line, he stated that \u201c the projects are progressing at an extremely satisfactory pace<\/i>.\u201d As Mr. Dimas<\/b> told the show\u2019s reporters, Dimitris Kottaridis and Nina Kasimati, he noted: \u201cThe 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<\/b><\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n
Regarding the development of the railway network<\/b>, he noted: \u201cThe 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\u2019s connectivity both domestically and with the Western Balkans. \u201cWe are discussing projects that will connect the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Alexandroupoli with the ports of Bulgaria and Romania via the railway network<\/i>\u201d. <\/p>\n
Speaking about air navigation systems and radar issues, the Minister of Transportation emphasized that \u201cOver 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\u2019s central air navigation system<\/i>\u201d. <\/p>\n Self-sufficiency is an achievable goal <\/h3>\n
When asked about the political landscape and New Democracy\u2019s goal of self-sufficiency in the upcoming elections, Mr. Dimas<\/b> stated that \u201ca 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<\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n
Finally, responding to the possibility of a political move by Antonis Samaras<\/b>: \u201cMy 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<\/i>.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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