Central Greece advances major infrastructure programme in Dirfyon–Messapion

During his visit, the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, accompanied by regional officials and the Mayor of Dirfyon–Messapion, Antonis Spyropoulos, inspected projects at various stages of implementation. He subsequently presented the Region’s investment programme to the Municipal Council as part of the Regional Development Programme for 2026–2030.

Projects in Pissonas, Mistros and Steni

In the Pissonas area, works are nearing completion on the bypass junction, the reconstruction of the Pourno–Pissonas Bridge and the road bypass at Steno Pourno. In Mistros, instructions were issued to accelerate construction of the Mistros Bridge. At the same time, plans are underway for the construction of an alternative access road approximately 2 kilometres long, in order to ensure the safe passage of vehicles while construction works are in progress.

In Steni, the redevelopment of recreational and pedestrian areas is nearing completion, with the works co-financed by the Region and the Municipality. In Psachna, following the resolution of funding issues, the Psachna Indoor Sports Hall and the adjacent auxiliary football pitch are nearing completion.

In Politika, the third Politika Bridge is under construction, while planning is also progressing for the expansion of the fishing shelter and marina. The Municipal Council also discussed the installation of floating barriers to protect against jellyfish. According to the municipal authorities, the measure has contributed to increased visitor numbers and economic activity in the area.

The Chalkida–Nea Artaki–Psachna Bypass

The Chalkida–Nea Artaki–Psachna Bypass occupies a central position in the development strategy. As Fanis Spanos noted, the project has now entered the construction phase. The Regional Governor emphasised the project’s importance for the Municipality of Dirfyon–Messapion, noting that land expropriations have been provided for a four-lane road configuration. The Psachna–Kastella bypass has also been incorporated into the project, despite not being included in the original design.

At the same time, the Region is redesigning a series of road projects aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing the eastern coastal front of Evia. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is already carrying out works on the Pili–Vlachia–Sarakíniko road axis.

More Than €40 Million for Flood Protection and Road Works

Particular emphasis was also placed on flood protection and road network restoration projects, with a total value exceeding €40 million, which were approved following severe flooding. According to the Regional Governor, the interventions are being completed gradually and have already enabled the implementation of major projects, including the Pourno Bridge, which has been opened to traffic.

Psachna Dam and the Dirfys Development Plan

With regard to water infrastructure, Fanis Spanos referred to the Psachna Dam. The Region’s services have completed the required studies, and an application for inclusion in the programme of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food was submitted within the deadline. The evaluation of the applications is currently underway.

At the same time, the Dirfys Development Plan is under preparation, while consultation is expected to begin in the coming period in order to establish specific priorities, projects and actions for the area.

The same framework includes accessibility interventions at the schools of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens operating in Psachna. The projects have a total budget exceeding €2.5 million and were financed through the Region’s European Union-funded Partnership Agreement (ESPA) programme.

In the healthcare sector, the Psachna Health Centre is being equipped with a four-wheel-drive ambulance as part of the Region’s programme to procure 34 new ambulances through ESPA funding.

Regional Interventions in the Area

For his part, the Deputy Regional Governor for Evia, Giorgos Kelaiditis, presented the full range of projects and initiatives that the Region has financed, completed or is currently implementing across the wider area.

These include the landscaping of the grounds surrounding the Kriezotis Residence and the renovation of the Psachna Health Centre, both of which have been completed, the installation of lighting at the Politika football stadium, and the laying of new artificial turf at the football pitches in Pourno and Kathenoi.

At the same time, redevelopment works in Attali have been completed, while social initiatives are being implemented to ensure the continued operation of the Community Centre of the Municipality of Dirfyon–Messapion.

All of these interventions form part of the broader development strategy of the Region of Central Greece for the 2026–2030 period, aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening road and flood protection, and creating the conditions for the economic and development upgrading of Evia.