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Athens faces ongoing traffic challenges, with several key road and transport projects underway or planned to ease congestion across the city and its suburbs. These projects collectively highlight Athens’ ongoing struggle to modernize its transport infrastructure amid funding and legal challenges. The city’s growth and new developments demand urgent solutions, with road expansions, tunnels, and metro extensions all critical to improving daily commutes and traffic conditions in the Greek capital.
Attiki Odos
One important development is the upcoming work on Attiki Odos, Athens’ main ring road. Within the year, construction will begin on two new exits at the Metamorfosi junction. These exits, located just 150 meters apart, will separate traffic flows depending on direction toward the Athens-Lamia National Highway. The project, agreed upon with the concessionaire GEK TERNA, is expected to take four months to complete after final studies are delivered.
Kymi Avenue Extension on Hold
A larger project that could significantly relieve traffic is the extension of Kymi Avenue. Although a temporary contractor has been selected—a joint venture between GEK TERNA and AKTOR—the project is currently stalled due to a legal appeal by the municipality of Irakleio. Even if this obstacle is removed, funding shortages make the future of the extension uncertain.
Triple Interchange at Skaramangas Progresses
In contrast, the triple interchange at Skaramangas is moving forward as planned. The Ministry of Infrastructure has secured the necessary budget of 36 million euros, with construction expected to take 36 months. This interchange will alleviate congestion at the intersection of Athens Avenue and Schisto Avenue, while providing access to the Egaleo Ring Road.
Elefsina – Oinofyta Motorway Proposal Delayed
Meanwhile, the proposed Elefsina – Oinofyta motorway, designed to ease traffic on the busy Kifissos corridor, remains on hold. This innovative proposal was submitted by GEK TERNA but has yet to be advanced by government leadership, despite being part of current legislative initiatives.
Traffic Impact of New Development in Elliniko
The new urban development in Elliniko, a southern suburb of Athens, is expected to add considerable pressure on local traffic unless significant transport infrastructure projects are completed. Officials continue to prioritize traffic relief in this area, with a tunnel under Ilioupoli still under consideration. Lamda Development, the main developer, has proposed this tunnel, but the high construction and financing costs have delayed study approvals.
Επίσκεψη του Υπουργού Ανάπτυξης και Επενδύσεων ‘Αδωνι Γεωργιάδη στο εργοτάξιο του Ελληνικού , στην Αθήνα , στις 4 Απριλίου , 2023
Discussions have also touched on plans to put the Vouliagmenis Avenue section between Alimos and Elliniko underground. The only confirmed underground project moving forward is the Poseidonos Avenue tunnel, currently being built by AVAX, with completion expected by 2028.
Metro Extensions Face Funding Challenges
Plans to extend Metro Line 2 toward Ilion, from the current Anthoupoli station through several stops, including Ilion and Agios Nikolaos, have secured initial funding. However, further progress depends on budget allocations in the next funding period.
Similarly, proposals to expand the Metro into the new residential areas of Elliniko face financial hurdles, despite interest from Lamda Development in supporting the project.
