[REVISION HISTORY]

Crete BOAK highway construction and traffic disruptions

10 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-29 13:42 UTC → 2026-10-29 18:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Construction on the Northern Cretan Axis Highway (BOAK) continues to cause logistical challenges and significant traffic disruptions. The Heraklion Hotel Association has warned that daily works have caused kilometer-long queues, particularly on the Heraklion–Chersonissos section, potentially delaying travelers and obstructing emergency vehicles. Recent developments have introduced further disruptions. Severe weather conditions caused temporary suspensions on the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos section in late September, necessitating vehicle diversions. In Chania, lane narrowing and traffic adjustments were ordered from October 10, 2026, through February 12, 2027, affecting stretches between the Mournies and Souda junctions. In Heraklion, the exit toward Anopoli on the southern branch was closed for two months starting October 11, 2026, to facilitate reconstruction. On October 28, 2026, the AKTOR Group officially handed over the first 10 kilometers of the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos section to the Greek state. This segment includes two traffic lanes, a hard shoulder, and three grade-separated junctions at Neapoli, Limnes, and Agios Nikolaos. While this marks a milestone for the Lasithi region, operations are currently restricted to a 6 km portion featuring a four-lane cross-section. The remaining 4 km require additional time to resolve technical issues related to roofing structures, and certain areas, such as from Xiropotamos to the Aktore construction site, will continue to operate on a single lane. Furthermore, legal disputes regarding land expropriation near the Lakonion bypass have delayed an underpass, and the Ministry is investigating a subsidence phenomenon in the Selinari tunnel. Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas estimated the remaining 4.5 km of the Neapoli-Agios Nikolaos section will be completed by 2027. Regarding other projects, the Chersonissos–Neapoli section remains over 40% complete with a target service date of July 11, 2028.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.