The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, visited the construction site of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) for the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos public works project today.
The project involves converting the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos road section into a modern highway as part of the new BOAK.
Specifically, the work involves the improvement and widening of the existing section, with the construction of a four-lane highway, two traffic lanes and a shoulder in each direction, and a divided roadway, with a total width of 22.25 m.
The length of the arterial road is approximately 14.5 km and extends from the first entrance to Neapolis to the Kritzas interchange in Agios Nikolaos, while three grade-separated interchanges will also be constructed: Neapolis, Limnon, and Agios Nikolaos.
The project also includes the construction of a complete network of cross streets and side roads to serve the neighboring areas and connect them to the main thoroughfare. The total length of this network is approximately 11 km.
Following an on-site inspection of the construction site, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas stated:
“Work to upgrade the Neapoli–Agios Nikolaos road section into a modern highway is proceeding at a rapid pace, which will, in fact, be accelerated. Currently, 350 people are working on the construction site and 130 pieces of equipment are in operation, a number that will increase to 180 starting next week. Consequently, we estimate that the first 10 km of the project’s total 14 km will be completed by summer. This means that in the coming months, the citizens of Crete—starting with the residents of Lasithi—will be able to use the first modern section of the Northern Road Axis of Crete. The new N.R.A.C., therefore, is becoming a reality. “We will continue our intensive and persistent efforts with the aim of delivering to the citizens of Crete a safe and modern road network, which will transform transportation on the island and strengthen social cohesion and economic activity.”
The project is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Public Investment Program.