Τhe contract for the construction of Heraklio-Chania motorway section of the Northern Road Axis (VOAK or A90) on the island of Crete was signed on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited infrastructure project.
However, the fiesta was spoiled by the residents of eastern Crete who reportedly complained that they are being left out of the connection. Protesters from Sitia and other areas of Lasithi gathered outside the Heraklion conference center, demanding the inclusion of the special section of Agios Nikolaos – Sitia in the planning for the VOAK.
Mega Project for Road Safety
“Today is indeed a great day for Crete,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who attended the signing ceremony, said expressing confidence that the project will enhance road safety and improve the island’s overall transportation network.
“This is a technically complex and challenging project, with an estimated implementation timeline of about five years,” he added, urging local authorities to cooperate in addressing any obstacles that may arise during construction.
With a budget of almost 2 billion euros, the project spans 157 kilometers while there is provision for an extension through an option to the Kissamos – Chania section (30 km), bringing the total length to 187 km. The motorway project includes 43 interchanges, 23 tunnels, 89 bridges, 89 underpasses, 12 overpasses, and 18 cut-and-cover sections.
The new motorway is designed as a closed type, with two lanes in each direction and an Emergency Lane (LEA).
It will reduce driving time from one city to the other down to 70 minutes, media reported.
The main contractor for the Chania – Heraklion project with a total budget of 2 billion euros, as well as the optional Kissamos – Chania extension, is the company GEK TERNA.
The concession contract lasting 35 years, of which the first 5 years (60 months) will be dedicated to the design and construction phases.
The project has been delayed for many years and is now finally moving forward….
Motorway without crossings for pedestrians
Interesting it is that after the signing ceremony, state broadcaster ERT reported about the first section of VOAK in Chania stressing once again the “high risk of pedestrian crossings in tourist areas in VOAK such as in Kavros Apokoronas.
In April, the President of the Panhellenic Association for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents, Yiannis Lionakis had recorded a video and posted it on social media, showing the attempt of a family with their children to cross the road in VOAK.
On Friday, ERT posted a video showing a grandpa pushing the stroller with his young grandchild in it. He needed over 15 minutes to cross the road.