AKTOR hands over first 10km of Crete’s northern road axis

The section was handed over to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, while the project has a total length of 14.5 kilometres.

The project, being implemented by AKTOR Group, involves upgrading the existing road section into a modern motorway, with the aim of improving road safety and enhancing transport connectivity across eastern Crete. The design provides for two traffic lanes and an Emergency Lane (EL), as well as three grade-separated interchanges at Neapoli, Limnes and Agios Nikolaos.

The delivery of the first 10 kilometres represents a key milestone in the project’s development and forms part of the broader plan to complete the Northern Road Axis of Crete and improve road connectivity across the island.

AKTOR’s Involvement Across the Entire BOAK Project

AKTOR Group maintains a presence across all three sections of the Northern Road Axis of Crete currently under development.

More specifically, on the Chania–Heraklion section, which constitutes the main part of the project and extends over 187 kilometres, the Group holds a 36% stake in the concession company and a 30% stake in the construction consortium.

It is also participating in the consortium responsible for constructing the Hersonissos–Neapoli section, which is being implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The development of the Northern Road Axis of Crete is a project of strategic importance for the island, as it is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel times and improve connectivity between Crete’s main urban, tourism and economic centres.

Construction Challenges and Investments in Crete

Anastasios Aranitis, Chief Operating Officer of AKTOR Group and CEO of AKTOR Constructions and AKTOR Holdings, referred to the project’s construction challenges, highlighting the particularly demanding geotechnical conditions under which the works are being carried out.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the delivery of the first section, emphasising the contribution of the engineers and technical personnel to the project’s progress.

AKTOR Group’s activities in Crete extend beyond road infrastructure and also include major transport, building and hydraulic engineering projects.

Through these investments, the Group aims to strengthen its presence on the island, contributing to infrastructure upgrades and improving the resilience of existing networks and facilities to the impacts of climate change.