# Crete BOAK highway construction and traffic disruptions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crete-boak-highway-construction-and-traffic-disruptions > Updated: 2026-09-23T15:39:45.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4. Construction on the Northern Cretan Axis Highway (BOAK) continues to cause logistical challenges and significant traffic disruptions. The Heraklion Hotel Association has previously warned that daily works have caused kilometer-long queues, potentially delaying travelers and obstructing emergency vehicles. New traffic regulations have been implemented by the Rethymno Police Directorate to facilitate ongoing works. In the Heraklion landfill area (km 102+200 to 104+200), 24-hour regulations will remain in effect from September 22 until November 22, 2026. Additionally, daytime restrictions will apply in the Geropotamos area (km 75+400 to 77+900) from September 22 until November 24, 2026. These measures follow previous 24-hour closures implemented by the Lasithi Police Directorate for bridge demolitions between Neapoli and Agios Nikolaos. Regarding project timelines, the Chersonissos-Neapoli section is over 40% complete. Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas has stated in Parliament that while the ultimate contractual deadline is July 11, 2029, current planning aims for service availability by July 11, 2028. The 23.5 km project, managed by the GEK TERNA and AKTOR Group consortium via a Public-Private Partnership, includes a 600-meter twin tunnel in the Kako Oros area. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is reportedly monitoring works to ensure adherence to this updated schedule. ## Claims - The Lasithi Police Directorate has issued emergency traffic regulations for the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK). (corroborated by 3 sources) - Traffic will be interrupted 24 hours a day on the section between Neapoli and Agios Nikolaos (km 187 to km 197). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The first closure for bridge T6 demolition occurs from 06:00 on September 17, 2026, to 06:00 on September 21, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The second closure for bridge T5 demolition occurs from 06:00 on September 25, 2026, to 18:00 on September 29, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vehicles up to 12 tons will use the Old National Road as a detour. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Heavy vehicles exceeding 12 tons must use the Southern Road Axis (Ierapetra-Viannos-Heraklion road). (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: BOAK motorway construction triggers traffic changes in Crete Construction on Crete's BOAK motorway is causing long-term traffic restrictions in the Heraklion and Geropotamos areas through late 2026 to facilitate essential infrastructure improvements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boak-motorway-construction-triggers-traffic-changes-in-crete ### 2026-09-19: BOAK motorway Chersonissos-Neapoli section targeted for 2028 completion The Chersonissos-Neapoli section of the BOAK motorway is over 40% complete, with a target service availability date of July 11, 2028, according to Greece's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boak-motorway-chersonissos-neapoli-section-targeted-for-2028-completion ### 2026-09-16: Crete's BOAK road undergoes 24-hour closures for bridge demolition The Lasithi Police Directorate has announced 24-hour traffic closures on Crete's Northern Road Axis (BOAK) between Neapoli and Agios Nikolaos for bridge demolition in September 2026. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cretes-boak-road-undergoes-24-hour-closures-for-bridge-demolition ### 2026-09-10: Heraklion Hotel Association warns of BOAK construction traffic issues The Heraklion Hotel Association is calling for urgent traffic management changes on the BOAK highway in Crete to prevent tourism disruption and ensure emergency vehicle access during construction. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heraklion-hotel-association-warns-of-boak-construction-disruptions --- Cite as: Crete BOAK highway construction and traffic disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crete-boak-highway-construction-and-traffic-disruptions