Signed on Friday morning the contract for the 157 kilometers of the new North Road Crete (BOAK) that will unite the Heraklion with the Chaniawith the prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis To speak of a “great day for Crete” and invite everyone to contribute to its timely completion.

“After many difficulties and obstacles we sign the concession contract of the department Heraklion-Chaniaa commitment that I had personally made and today I am pleased to fulfill it, ”the prime minister began his speech at the Cultural center of Municipality Heraklion.

“I do not need to refer to the multifaceted story of this great and complex project. We all have the obligation to look forward. We already have two open construction sites from Hersonissos to Agios Nikolaos, projects that will be completed by 2027. The Cretans are already seeing the change, ”the prime minister said.

“Dear Mr. Peristeri I soon wait to see the open construction sites in Heraklion-Chania. We know it is a complex project with a horizon of 5 years. That is why I ask for the cooperation of the local authorities. It is very important to understand the enormous importance it has for Crete and not the small local issues, “Mr Mitsotakis added.

The prime minister called on all stakeholders to make the most effort to make the work of the BOAK completed within the timetable provided for in the concession. As he pointed out, this is a project with major technical challenges, which must move on while at the same time the road remains functional. “Let us all do our best to complete the timetable in the concession,” he noted.

Referring to the timeless problem of road safety on the island, he spoke of a “paranoid blood tax in Crete”, which he attributed both to the poor state of the road network and to problematic driving behaviors. As he said, he has requested the implementation of projects that will enhance road safety at critical points, such as near Heraklion and Chania. In addition, addressing the Regional Governor of Crete, he stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to the issue of road safety on the island.

Speaking of the other major infrastructure in Crete, the Prime Minister reminded four landmark projects: Progress in BOAK, the interconnection of Crete with the mainland electricity system (where the small connection has already been completed and the Great is going on), the critical irrigation projects, orbit of implementation, in accordance with government commitments.

He added, in fact, a fifth project in which – as he said – of particular importance: the creation of student halls in Heraklion and Rethymnon. “Five thousand students will be able to be housed there,” he said, stressing that this will address the strong housing problem that students face in Crete.

Dimas: Studies are coming for Sitia too

The Minister of Infrastructure Christos Dimas He said that although work on BOAK has already begun, most of the project is being contracted today. As he said, this ambitious work includes at least 43 knots, 23 tunnels and 89 bridges, highlighting his great technique of complexity.

Mr Dimas also announced that, at the order of the Prime Minister, funding for the extension of the project to Sitia will begin.

He also noted the need to strengthen road safety, as 38 fatal traffic has been recorded in BOAK. He pointed out that measures will be implemented corresponding to those on the Patras -Pyrgos axis, with the aim of reducing accidents and smooth traffic during work.

“From 2019 until today, the governments of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the competent leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure have been working systematically to get to the day. But all this is done thanks to the decisive contribution of the prime minister, who is responsible for the progress of the project, “the minister concluded.

Tahaios: “A new day for BOAK – Crete changes face”

An important day is dawning for Crete, as the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure said Nikos Tahaiosthe contracting of the North Road Crete (BOAK) is a difficult but optimistic step. “The future of Crete with BOAK will be completely different. Crete will become another island, “he said.

Mr. Tahaios emphasized that for the first time in Greece there is a single highway in individual sections that are functional, which is of particular importance in an area such as Crete with increased travel, especially in tourist seasons.

For his part, the President and CEO of GEK TERNA, George Peristerishe pointed out the importance of today, noting: “For years the phrase ‘BOAK concession’ was heard. Today, however unlikely it seemed, the signature is done. With a night out by the GEK TERNA team, the ministries and the banks, we have achieved the goal that the prime minister had set for May 9. “

Mr Peristeris thanked the company executives for the “most complete proposal” he was submitted, and did not fail to express his appreciation to the prime minister “for the support and directions he gave to proceed with the project”.

Concluding, he pointed out that he is now starting an even more demanding stage, stressing the need for cooperation with Local Government and the Authorities in order to accomplish this complex venture.