The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, presented the benefits to road safety and the local economy resulting from the operation of the new Patras–Pyrgos Motorway during its first 10 months of operation, speaking at the Ilia Forum on the topic: “Infrastructure: New Connectivity as a Lever for Growth," held in Pyrgos, Ilia.
Mr. Dimas said that the new Patras-Pyrgos highway, which was partially opened to traffic last year, is a prime example of a project that enhances road safety and connectivity while also meeting sustainability criteria.
“To date, there has not been a single accident on the new highway! The journey to Pyrgos is now safe and, of course, more comfortable and faster than in the past,” emphasized the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
He then presented traffic data for Olympia Odos, according to which:
- On the first section, Kaminia–Pyrgos: From August 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, 920,000 vehicles passed through the Pyrgos Frontal Toll Station in both directions.
- In the second section, Mintilogli - Kaminia: From December 4, 2025, through May 31, 2026, 1,350,000 vehicles passed through the Patras Frontal Toll Station in both directions.
The average daily traffic at the two front-end toll stations in Patras and Pyrgos was 10,500 vehicles.
Mr. Dimas added that as part of the 24-hour traffic monitoring on the highway, 2,500 interventions were carried out in response to incidents, the majority of which (45%) involved providing assistance to a stranded vehicle, with an average response time of 14 minutes.
He also noted the immediate economic benefit drivers derive from the per-kilometer toll at the Kato Achaia and Amaliada interchanges, as well as the broader positive impact of the project on local economies. According to the Road Network Observatory of Western Greece and the Peloponnese (POADEP):
- The Elefsina–Corinth–Patras highway has the highest annual average daily heavy vehicle traffic, which is 50% higher than the average for the rest of the country’s road network. This translates into a boost in commercial activity.
- Multimodality: Olympia Odos connects to other modes of transport, airports, and ports (Corinth, Kiato, Aigio, Patras, Araxos, Kyllini), which provides a boost to development in the region.
- A 15–20% increase in tourist traffic in the areas served by Olympia Odos, as there is improved access to the coastal regions of the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands.
- An increase in local GDP of 0.5–1.5%, primarily due to investment and employment. The project provides over 1,600 jobs, many of which are for professionals with advanced scientific expertise or specialized technical training.
“These figures explain how modern infrastructure ensures sustainability,” Mr. Dimas emphasized, noting that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is expanding the domestic infrastructure system with other flagship road projects, such as the E65 Central Greece Motorway, the Northern Road Axis of Crete, and road safety improvements on the existing axis, the Kalamata - Rizomylos - Pylos - Methoni, and the Elevated Expressway in Thessaloniki.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport made special mention of the repair of damage caused by the severe weather “Daniel” to the road and rail network in Thessaly and Central Greece, as it contributes to Greece’s effective participation in European transport corridors.
“The upgrade of the domestic infrastructure network is, therefore, the means by which Greece’s role as a freight transport hub in Southeast Europe is strengthened, and every project that is completed is a link in the chain of connectivity,” Mr. Dimas emphasized, concluding his remarks after praising the cooperation with local government and local professional organizations.
SOURCE: APE