Kypseli cracks linked to Metro Line 4 tunnelling, officials say no structural risk

Since March, residents of the Kypseli neighbourhood in Athens have reported cracks and subsidence in houses as work progresses on the new Metro Line 4 tunnel. Professor Eythymios Lekkas, president of OASP and a geology expert, said the phenomenon is unrelated to seismic activity and, based on current data, does not indicate a problem with the static adequacy of the buildings, but emphasized the need for continuous monitoring. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Takhaios echoed this, stating “Δεν υπάρχει στατικό πρόβλημα” and confirming that early technical inspections have found no evidence of structural danger. Both officials pledged detailed geotechnical investigations and said the construction company will cover all repair costs. A temporary halt to tunnelling was imposed while further assessments are carried out, and real‑time surveys of the affected structures are ongoing.