# Greek infrastructure, aviation, and traffic safety updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/thessaloniki-metro-development
> Updated: 2026-09-06T09:00:45.000Z. Sources: 140. Developments: 42.

Greek infrastructure development continues to evolve following the July 2026 completion of the 182.1-km E65 motorway. A study by Professor Emeritus Serafim Polyzou and engineer Eftymios Nakas emphasizes the motorway’s role as a “critical infrastructure work” that ends the transport isolation of Western Thessaly, Western Macedonia, and Epirus. By connecting the Athens-Thessaloniki axis with the Egnatia Odos, the project is expected to facilitate the movement of goods between the ports of Volos and Igoumenitsa and act as a catalyst for tourism in cities such as Trikala, Ioannina, and Kalabaka. However, the management of the Egnatia Odos motorway has come under scrutiny following its concession to New Egnatia Odos SA in late 2025. Ongoing certification works for the transport of dangerous goods have necessitated single-lane traffic in tunnels exceeding 500 meters, creating continuous restrictions for stretches as long as 29 kilometers in the Pindus region. These restrictions have reportedly caused delays for EKAB ambulance services and EMAK emergency units. In Thessaloniki, the Flyover project—a 7.6 km elevated roadway designed to alleviate congestion—is progressing toward its May 2027 delivery target. Implementation by the AVAX-Mytilineos consortium has seen completion rates rise from 60% to 62% as of September 2026. While technical challenges like ground subsidence have impacted costs, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport reports the project is proceeding according to schedule. The highway, which includes nine interchanges and three tunnels, is expected to double the traffic capacity of the Thessaloniki Ring Road. Ongoing construction necessitates traffic adjustments, including nighttime closures on the Eastern Inner Ring Road and diversions on the E65 motorway. In the aviation sector, Greek airports recorded nearly 47 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, a 4.9% increase from 2025.

## Claims

- GEK TernA reported average daily traffic on Egnatia Odos increased by 2.9% to about 219,458 vehicles. (disputed by 2 sources)
- In the same period, Egnatia Odos traffic rose 4.8% to about 205,000 vehicles. (disputed)
- 388 new traffic cameras have been installed in the Attica Region. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A total of 436 traffic cameras will be in service in Attica, including those detecting speed, phone use and seat‑belt compliance. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 181‑km E65 highway linking Grevena with Lamia was completed and opened to traffic, reducing travel time between the two points to roughly ten minutes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- GEK TernA reported average daily traffic on Attiki Odos increased by 2.4% to about 290,775 vehicles. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In the second quarter of 2026, Attiki Odos traffic rose 2.6% to roughly 293,000 vehicles. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- New traffic regulations were imposed on the ATHE motorway between kilometre 90.95 and 89.2, closing the right lane and directing traffic to the left lane. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The cameras operate 24/7 and record only red‑light violations, capturing six photos and a video per breach. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Hellenic Train suspended suburban rail services between SKA‑Dekelia and Piraeus‑Kato Acharni after a fire near Menidi. (single source)
- A new road axis will connect the Port of Piraeus directly to Attiki Odos, reducing travel time to about ten minutes. (single source)
- The cameras are placed at 100 selected high‑risk intersections covering 66 municipalities. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Thessaloniki Flyover project reaches 62% completion

The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport released a preview of Thessaloniki’s Flyover project, which is 62% complete and expected to open in spring 2027 to ease traffic congestion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-flyover-project-reaches-62-completion

### 2026-08-25: Thessaloniki Flyover project reaches 60% completion

The Thessaloniki Flyover project is over 60% complete, with a final delivery target of May 2027 to alleviate urban traffic congestion.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-implements-major-motorway-traffic-regulations-for-roadworks

### 2026-08-24: Egnatia Odos management faces scrutiny over safety and delays

Concerns grow over safety and emergency response delays on Greece's Egnatia Odos following its concession to New Egnatia Odos SA, as lane closures for tunnel certification cause significant traffic bottlenecks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egnatia-odos-management-faces-scrutiny-over-safety-and-delays

### 2026-08-24: Athens-Corinth National Road to receive new speed cameras

New TraffiStar S295 radar cameras will be installed at 15 locations along Greece's Athens-Corinth National Road to monitor speeds and improve road safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-corinth-national-road-to-receive-new-speed-cameras

### 2026-08-21: Attica traffic violations surge despite strict laws

Attica Traffic Police recorded over 34,000 violations and 462 accidents in July, resulting in six deaths due to speeding, alcohol, and disregard for traffic laws.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-traffic-violations-surge-despite-strict-laws

### 2026-08-20: Greece infrastructure and transport updates

Greece reports rising airport passenger numbers and infrastructure growth via the E65 motorway, despite ranking third in Europe for flight delays and implementing various regional road maintenance works.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-ranks-third-in-europe-for-flight-delays

### 2026-08-19: Attica Region deploys 388 new traffic enforcement cameras

The Attica Region is deploying 388 new AI-powered cameras across the Attica Basin to monitor red light violations and improve road safety through high-resolution digital evidence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-region-deploys-388-new-traffic-enforcement-cameras

### 2026-08-17: E65 Motorway to drive regional development in Central Greece

A study by the University of Thessaly indicates the E65 Motorway will drive economic growth, improve logistics, and boost tourism across Central Greece, Epirus, and Western Macedonia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/e65-motorway-to-drive-regional-development-in-central-greece

### 2026-07-30: Attica Region Launches 388 Red‑Light Traffic Cameras

Attica installed 388 red‑light cameras at 100 high‑risk sites, issuing €700 fines and license suspensions, as part of a 436‑camera safety network announced by Greek ministers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-region-deploys-388-redlight-traffic-cameras

### 2026-07-27: Greece expands highway network and sees traffic rise amid new road works

Greece opens the E65 highway, links Piraeus to Attiki Odos, sees 2‑5% traffic rises on major motorways, imposes ATHE lane closures, and faces rail disruptions from a Menidi fire.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gek-tern-reports-higher-traffic-on-greeces-main-highways-in-2026

### 2026-07-26: Attica region completes rollout of 388 traffic red‑light cameras

Attica has installed 388 red‑light cameras, linked to a digital violation system and police, and added AI‑driven units that also enforce seat‑belt, helmet and speed rules.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-region-completes-rollout-of-388-traffic-redlight-cameras

### 2026-07-23: Attica installs 388 red‑light cameras to curb traffic violations

Attica completed a €13.38 million rollout of 388 red‑light cameras at high‑risk junctions, linking them to police databases to deter dangerous violations and improve road safety.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-region-installs-388-redlight-violation-cameras-across-key-road-intersections

### 2026-07-23: Greece Completes E65 Highway, Connecting Central Greece with Thessaloniki

Greece opened the final 46 km of the E65 highway, completing a 182 km route that links Central Greece to the Egnatia Motorway, cuts travel times and adds modern tolls.

61 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-opens-final-section-of-e65-motorway-mitsotakis-present

### 2026-07-21: Kalambaka Section of Greece’s E65 Highway Scene of Fatal Accident

A 77‑year‑old woman died on the closed northern segment of Greece’s E65 highway near Kalambaka on 20 July, prompting a police investigation and pending autopsy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kalambaka-section-of-greeces-e65-highway-scene-of-fatal-accident

### 2026-07-21: Greek police launch Traffic Commander system to cut Athens congestion

Greek police unveiled the AI‑driven Traffic Commander system, integrating drones, cameras and 24 data sources to manage ~50,000 daily incidents and target a 25‑30% reduction in Athens traffic congestion by Sept

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-expands-smart-traffic-camera-network-4000-violations-cited

### 2026-07-20: Attiki Odos Bridge Closure Halts Traffic on July 20‑21

Attiki Odos will fully close the SEAs Mesogeion bridge on July 20‑21, 2026, with traffic detoured via exit and entry ramps; drivers should follow signage and police instructions.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attiki-odos-bridge-closure-halts-traffic-on-july-2021

### 2026-07-20: Greece completes major E65 highway linking Central Greece to the north

Greece inaugurated the final stretch of the E65 motorway on 23 July 2024, linking Central Greece to the Egnatia Odos, reducing travel times and introducing new tolls; the project cost ~€2.1 bn.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-pm-mitsotakis-inaugurates-new-e65-highway-segment-linking-central-greece-to-egnatia

### 2026-07-20: Athens Kifisos Avenue Traffic Jam Persists

Athens faces severe congestion on Kifisos Avenue with low speeds near Peristeri, Lenormann and Athinon Avenue, plus jams on nearby arteries; commuters urged to allow extra time and use alternate routes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-kifisos-avenue-traffic-jam-persists

### 2026-07-14: Attica traffic gridlock hits Kifisos and major avenues

Attica’s main roads stay on red alert, with heavy delays on Kifisos, Kifisias, Mesogeion and other key avenues, plus night closures at the Metamorfosi interchange.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-traffic-gridlock-hits-kifisos-and-major-avenues

### 2026-07-13: Greece signs €40.8 million Skaramagas Triple Interchange contract

Greece signed a €40.8 million contract for the Skaramagas triple interchange, a 36‑month project aimed at easing congestion for 100 000 daily vehicles, raising speeds from 28 to 47 km/h and boosting regional物流.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-government-signs-408-million-skaramagka-triple-interchange-contract

### 2026-07-09: Crete's BOAK highway sees massive traffic jams during upgrade works

Crete's BOAK highway faces two‑hour traffic jams as €157 million upgrade works, funded by the Recovery Fund, cause long queues, reduced speed limits and extensive construction disruptions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cretes-boak-highway-sees-massive-traffic-jams-during-upgrade-works

### 2026-07-09: Greek towns start road paving upgrades in Thermo and Florina

Road upgrades began in Thermo’s Meligkova‑AmbraKia route (4.5 km, €1.4 m) and in Florina’s city streets, with officials saying the projects will improve safety and connectivity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-towns-start-road-paving-upgrades-in-thermo-and-florina

### 2026-07-09: E65 Highway Completion Boosts Ioannina Region Development

Completion of Greece’s E65 motorway links Ioannina with Central Greece, reducing travel time and spurring tourism, logistics and investment in Epirus.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/e65-highway-completion-boosts-ioannina-region-development

### 2026-07-06: Attica rolls out pilot traffic changes and new red‑light camera network

Attica has begun a six‑day traffic‑rule pilot in Irakleio and installed 388 red‑light cameras at 100 key junctions, seeking citizen input and tighter enforcement to improve road safety.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-rolls-out-pilot-traffic-changes-and-new-redlight-camera-network

### 2026-07-06: Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas Announces Thessaloniki Metro Extension to Kalamaria

Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas announced a five‑station metro extension to Kalamaria, a Flyover over 53% complete, and 17 new schools, citing traffic cuts above 15% and strategic port development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-transport-minister-christos-dimas-announces-thessaloniki-metro-extension-to-kalamaria

### 2026-07-04: Severe congestion grips Athens' Kifisos corridor

Kifisos road in Athens is gridlocked, with 5‑30‑minute delays, a fire near New Philadelfia, and expert calls for a four‑lane upgrade.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-kifisos-avenue-faces-severe-traffic-jams-after-fire-and-heavy-congestion

### 2026-07-01: Greece moves ahead with Skaramagas road upgrade to cut congestion

Greece approved a €40.8 million Skaramagas road project with three interchanges, projected to boost speeds from 28 to 47 km/h and save €10 million yearly, starting construction for 36 months.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-moves-ahead-with-skaramagas-road-upgrade-to-cut-congestion

### 2026-06-30: Attiki Odos crash near Metamorphosis interchange disrupts traffic

Three vehicles collided on Attiki Odos at Metamorphosis interchange, closing lanes toward the airport, causing 10‑15 minute delays and four minor injuries; police and fire services responded while the cause is

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attiki-odos-crash-near-metamorphosis-interchange-disrupts-traffic

### 2026-06-28: Greek Egnaia Motorway faces tolls, tunnel delays amid safety concerns

Deputy Minister Nikos Takhiaros dubbed Egnaia motorway disruptions a minor inconvenience, but critics cite tunnel certification delays, potholes, lane reductions and unchanged tolls, urging a clear timeline and

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-egnaia-motorway-faces-tolls-tunnel-delays-amid-safety-concerns

### 2026-06-25: Greece's E65 highway Kalabaka‑Grevena segment to open July

Greece's E65 highway Kalabaka‑Grevena segment, funded by a €452 M EU recovery grant, is set to open by end‑July, completing a key north‑south road and expected to boost regional travel and economy.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greeces-e65-highway-kalabakagrevena-segment-to-open-july

### 2026-06-24: Greece's Egnatia highway toll exemption under parliamentary challenge

KKE MPs have asked Greece’s transport minister to keep free toll passage for permanent residents of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace on the Egnatia highway, opposing its removal after the road’s concession to GEK‑T

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greeces-egnatia-highway-toll-exemption-under-parliamentary-challenge

### 2026-06-24: Greek Minister Christos Dimas Announces E65 Highway Northern Section to Open by End July

Greek Minister Christos Dimas says the 46‑km northern E65 highway segment, funded by €452 million EU recovery money, will be completed and open by late July, improving connectivity across central and western G

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-minister-christos-dimas-announces-e65-highway-northern-section-to-open-by-end-july

### 2026-06-24: Five-vehicle crash blocks Kifisos Avenue in Athens, causing red‑light traffic

A five‑vehicle crash on Kifisos Avenue near Lamia halted traffic, turning the road red and causing long queues and city‑wide delays in Athens.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/five-vehicle-crash-blocks-kifisos-avenue-in-athens-causing-redlight-traffic

### 2026-06-24: Attiki Odos congestion snarls traffic across Athens suburbs

On 25 June 2026, Attiki Odos and key Athenian roads faced severe congestion, with 10‑20 minute delays on Kifisos and airport routes, plus a motorcycle‑car crash near Kyma adding to the slowdown.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bank-of-piraeus-plans-sale-of-etba-bip-industrial-parks-assets

### 2026-06-23: Attica Region Advances 47‑Road Bike‑Lane Project

Attica launches a €6 million plan to convert 47 roads into bike lanes on the Kefisia‑Gazi axis, aiming to boost cycling across Athens and surrounding municipalities; proposals are due by 30 Sept 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/attica-region-to-convert-47-roads-into-bike-paths

### 2026-06-20: Thessaloniki‑Chalkidiki route faces heavy traffic delays

Heavy congestion hit the K12 road from Thessaloniki to Chalkidiki on Sunday, easing after the initial bottleneck, with extra delays at Nikiatis for holiday traffic.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessalonikichalkidiki-route-faces-heavy-traffic-delays

### 2026-06-15: Heavy traffic snarls hit Kifisos and Attiki Odos in Athens

Athens drivers faced heavy congestion on 15 June 2026, with Kifisos under “red” and up to 30‑minute delays on Attiki Odos and other main avenues.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heavy-traffic-snarls-cripple-kifissos-corridor-in-athens-region

### 2026-06-10: Greek government outlines traffic relief projects in Attica

Greek deputy PM announces a €500 M Kifisos bypass, traffic‑management measures and a €1.2 bn underground tunnel to reduce Attica congestion, plus waste‑management reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-government-to-launch-major-traffic-bypass-and-tunnel-projects-in-attica

### 2026-06-10: Athens' Kifissos Avenue faces severe traffic congestion

On 10 June, Athens' Kifissos, Kifissias, and Attica Road suffered heavy congestion, causing low speeds and long delays across many central avenues and near Piraeus port.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-kifissos-avenue-faces-severe-traffic-congestion

### 2026-06-08: Greek E65 Highway Section and Thessaloniki Metro Expansion to Open Summer

Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas announced July opening of the E65 highway segment and end‑July launch of five Thessaloniki Metro stations, plus other road upgrades and bus fleet renewals funded by EU‑re

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-e65-highway-section-and-thessaloniki-metro-expansion-to-open-summer

### 2026-05-31: Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria opens July, Flyover due May 2027

Thessaloniki’s metro extension to Kalamaria will open by end‑July, while the city’s Flyover is slated for May 2027; both projects cost about €1 billion and will be EU‑funded, with plans for integrated ticketing

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-extension-to-open-by-july-flyover-targeted-for-2027

### 2026-05-27: Thessaloniki Metro closed for three weeks, bus line M1 added

Thessaloniki Metro will be shut from 29 May to 19 June 2026; OASTH adds bus line M1 and extra routes to maintain transport.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-closed-for-three-weeks-bus-line-m1-added

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Cite as: Greek infrastructure, aviation, and traffic safety updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/thessaloniki-metro-development