New flood protection projects set to strengthen resilience across Thessaloniki

The first package of projects aims to regulate the Anthemountas stream and the five tributaries that flow into it in the area of Vasilika, within the Municipality of Thermi, where extensive flooding has occurred in the past following heavy rainfall.

More specifically, the works concern the streambed from the Arapi Mill location over a stretch of more than 2.5 kilometres, up to the point where it meets the local road connecting the Nea Rysio–Souroti–Vasilika provincial road with the bridge on the Thessaloniki–Polygyros National Road.

The works include, among other interventions, widening and deepening the streambed, constructing embankments, reinforcing the banks with gabion mattresses, protecting the streambed with gabion structures, and reconstructing an Irish crossing.

Similar watercourse regulation works have also been planned for the five tributaries flowing into the Anthemountas. The total cost of the flood protection works for the Anthemountas, surrounding settlements and agricultural land in the wider area amounts to €8.5 million.

Under the second contract signed by the Thessaloniki Deputy Regional Governor, flood protection and drainage works are also getting under way along the Lagadas–Rentina provincial road, from the area of the Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Mikri Volvi to the Vamvakia bridge. The section is prone to flooding even during rainfall of short duration and low intensity, with the Rentina–Vamvakia–Arethousa provincial road becoming inundated by water and carried debris.

With a budget of €1.4 million, the project provides for the construction of a new box culvert, replacing the existing enclosed concrete pipe, as well as a new drainage ditch. It also includes landslide prevention works and the construction of a temporary bypass road to maintain access for residents and other road users in the area of the Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Saviour until the works are completed.