The presence of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was signed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, the Concession Agreement for “Study – Construction – Financing – Maintenance and Operation of the North Road ‘Axis of Crete (VOAK) in the Department

The Chania – Heraklion section relates to a road axis about 157 km long, which ends east of the Hersonissos junction.

In addition, the concession project also provides for the construction of the Kissamos – Chania section with the right of an option and a new node in the bypass of Chania, which connects BOAK. with Chania Airport.

During his speech, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas referred to the progress of the work along the BOAK, as well as the future additions of departments, heralding the funding of studies until Sitia, ordered by the Prime Minister in the immediate future.

As Mr Dimas stated:

“BOAK already implemented. We already have two active fronts from Agios Nikolaos to Neapolis, is the part of the public project, in which, yesterday, the leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport made another autopsy, but also the PPP section from Naples to Hersonissos. These projects are construction sites, which Cretans and visitors to the island already see. Today, however, the central part, 157 km of the concession, will be added to this very large network. Throughout its length, we have at least 43 nodes, 23 tunnels, 89 bridges.

The track from Chania and west to Kissamos will proceed. Like the piece east, where we already have mature studies, up to thick Ammos and I can tell you that by order of the Prime Minister we will fund the studies to Sitia. This will be done immediately, next time. “

Mr Dimas focused on the issue of road safety at BOAK, during the time of construction work on the new motorway. As he said:

“In the last three years at BOAK. There have been 38 fatal traffic accidents and serious injuries. This is a situation that no one can tolerate anymore. In BOAK We will implement pioneering road safety measures, which the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has successfully applied to the construction of the Patras – Pyrgos Motorway. “

In addition, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport pointed out that in the last six years the necessary actions have been methodically taken to get to the point of operating today in two sections of the project: Hersonissos – Neapoli and Neapoli – Agios Nikolaos, but also to be signed:

Characteristically, Mr. Dimas said:

“The works are obviously all collective. It would be injustice, on my part, if I did not say that from 2019 until today, the governments of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the leaders of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport have all worked systematically so that we can get here today. Obviously all this is done under the guidance and continuous intervention of the Prime Minister himself, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is the main responsible we are here today to sign the contract. “

THE Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Nikos Tahaios stressed:

“Today a difficult cycle is closing and starts a new day – just as demanding, but also optimistic. A long and complex process is completed, as to end up with a work from its maturity to its contracting is a time -consuming and truly complex case, especially when it comes to a concession project, such as the one that is being contracted today.

Let’s leave the past behind and let’s focus on the future. BOAK It changes Crete. Crete with the new BOAK It will be a different island. However, the route to the end result will not be easy. It is the first time that a high -length highway has been implemented in Greece as a single project, and even on an island of high, seasonally intense, traffic.

This means that we need the support of the local community and local authorities. The success of the project depends on exactly this collaboration. Already before contracting, we have begun consultations with all the island’s stakeholders – and they will continue. It is crucial to go together, because this project is not only the government, but to the whole of Crete. And it is Crete itself that will contribute to its successful completion.

The consultation will be continuous. Many of the demands of local communities are reasonable and we approach them positively. We are already working with the agencies to integrate them, wherever possible.

What also needs to be understood is that the concession is not just an installation of a contractor who will give an excellent project and will work it in a truly unprecedented way for Greek data, but is also a tool. It is a tool that can offer side benefits – concomitant projects, extensions and infrastructures that benefit the local community. This is the experience of the concessions – an experience attributed to the governments of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Today a new cycle begins. The aim of the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is to instantly establish construction in all the prefectures of Crete. We are working intensively in this direction and this will soon be done – not only because of the timetables of the recovery fund, but because it is necessary for Crete to find a new operating rhythm.

We are here today with joy, but also with a sense of responsibility, because the project that starts in front of us is great. We will continue with the same dedication, with which all the political leaderships of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the governments of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, faced this project.

I wish Crete to enjoy the work that begins today. And let me add something more: In Crete we have found the most mature and cooperative interlocutors. It’s something worth recognizing. And this collaboration will be decisive for the rapid implementation of the project.

Good luck in the project! “

THE Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis stated:

“BOAK It transfers Crete faster to the new era. It promotes regional development, stimulates social cohesion, strengthens Crete’s footprint on the world map.

A project that not only connects the prefectures of Crete, but changes the map of Crete. A road axis that brings people closer to people, joining the pieces of a puzzle, which for decades looked like a lost game. A road reminiscent of the Gordian bond, which was solved, because we worked, but mainly because we all worked together.

Let me, Mr Prime Minister, say that all the Cretans are counting down until the day that the northern road ‘axis of Crete, the’ backbone ‘that runs all four counties, will be delivered to the circulation, contributing decisively to its productive and economic reconstruction.

But I have to emphasize and repeat: BOAK. For the Region of Crete, it starts from Kissamos and reaches to Sitia. And I think you will give these instructions so that this work can really be done and I am sure that the necessary resources will be sought, satisfying a timeless demand of the Sitia and the whole of Lasithi society. “

On behalf of the concessionaire, President and CEO of GEK TERNA Group, George Peristeris noted:

“Today the concession contract of the Chania – Heraklion Department of BOAK was signed, however unlikely it seemed. Why was it unlikely? Because the Deadline on May 9th, set by the prime minister, was extremely suffocating, as it normally takes two months of preparation to get to the signature stage. However, today’s day has become possible thanks to the nights of all the people of the GEK TERNA Group, the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the officials and the banks, which we particularly thank for their contribution.

Before the competition was held, and while we were defaults – not contestants – it was deadlocked to join the allocation of the Chania – Kissamos section. We have also helped to find the legal solution that would allow the Chania -Kissamos option to join the already announced competition, without the need to postpone or re -demarcation of the project.

I would particularly like to thank our company executives – we have deposited not only the most competitive offer but also the most well.

Today a difficult route begins. It takes collaboration with everyone – first of all the society of Crete, local government, public and all authorities – so that this very difficult task can be built and completed. “

The project is funded by EUR 200 million by the recovery and resilience fund and EUR 592 million from the PSC (National Development Program) to join the NSRF 2021 – 2027. The remaining amount, almost EUR 1 billion, is equity and loans.

Also present were by the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Deputy Minister Nikos Tahaios, Secretary General of Infrastructure Dimitris Anagnopoulos and Secretary General of Transport Despina Paliartas.