Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Nikos Tachiaos, highlighted at a recent conference that studies for targeted interventions at the Metamorfosi exit of the Attiki Odos motorway — one of the most congested traffic points — are nearing completion.
The chosen solution, developed in collaboration with the new concessionaire, Nea Attiki Odos (a subsidiary of the GEK TERNA Group), involves creating two separate exits approximately 150 meters apart, aiming to alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother traffic flow towards the PATHE motorway.
The project is expected to commence within 2025, with a construction period estimated at around four to five months. Temporary traffic interruptions towards Elefsina will be necessary during the works.
Another major project planned for tender next year is the Scarammaga Triple Interchange, with a budget of €65 million. This initiative aims to reduce congestion at the intersection of Athinon Avenue and Schisto, enhancing access to the Thriasio Plain area, a key logistics and economic hub. Although completion is not imminent—requiring approximately 36 months post-tender for construction—it represents a crucial first step towards upgrading the broader region’s transport infrastructure.
Traffic Pressure in the Southern Suburbs
The Southern Suburbs, particularly the Elliniko area, have become a focal point for urban development and planning interventions. The high concentration of investments, combined with the redevelopment of the former airport site, has created urgent needs for new traffic planning solutions. Mr. Tachiaos revealed that the Ministry is in active discussions with Lamda Development, the project concessionaire, regarding immediate and medium-term interventions.
A central component of the strategy is the much-anticipated Ilioupoli Tunnel, included in the Standard Proposal by the consortium GEK TERNA – Aktor Concessions – Avax for Attiki Odos extensions. This project, with a cost exceeding €1 billion, has already seen Lamda fund and submit the relevant studies to the Ministry.
Additionally, more immediate measures are under consideration, such as the undergrounding of Vouliagmenis Avenue from Alimos to Elliniko—a proposal by Lamda. The undergrounding of Poseidonos Avenue is already underway. Moreover, the extension of Metro Line 2 towards Glyfada, possibly including a bypass and a new station within the Elliniko development area, is currently under study. Lamda has expressed willingness to expropriate land for the construction of a Metro station at the heart of the project.
The issue of tram traffic within Elliniko remains unresolved. Although a route near the Trachones stream is planned, Lamda’s management has previously raised concerns about noise pollution from tram operations. To date, no updated official position has been announced regarding the future of the tram line.
Projects with Uncertain Financing
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure has not abandoned plans to connect Kymi Avenue with the PATHE motorway—a project previously tendered as a public contract and envisioned as the first extension of Attiki Odos. The contract’s provisional winning bidder was the TERNA – Aktor consortium; however, the project was removed from the Public Investment Program and is currently seeking new financing mechanisms. According to Mr. Tachiaos, there may also be revisions to the project’s scope or extent.
Reference was also made to the Standard Proposal for the Elefsina–Oinofyta highway, aimed at alleviating congestion on Kifisos Avenue. While the Ministry has expressed reservations in the past regarding the regulatory framework for Standard Proposals—going so far as to announce a related legislative amendment that has yet to be submitted—the Deputy Minister described the project as “of high interest,” leaving open the possibility of advancement.
Outstanding Metro Projects
Regarding the extension of Metro Line 2 towards Ilion, Mr. Tachiaos noted that despite interest from potential bidders, the tender process remains stalled primarily due to lack of funding. Given that the resources of the new NSRF programming period are limited—already committed to Metro Line 4 in Athens and the new line in Thessaloniki—covering the cost is challenging. Should the extension of Line 2 towards Glyfada ultimately be prioritized, the Ministry’s overall strategy for fixed-rail projects in Attica may be reconsidered.
