Works on Athens City Walk Project Begin with Road Closures

An impression of Panepistimiou street, Athens. Source: City of Athens

Priority zones for pedestrians and cyclists as well as limited access to the center of Athens are set to be announced in the coming period as the Athens Municipality launches works on its ambitious Athens city walk project.

The plan, to include extending pedestrian areas and unifying the city’s archaeological sites and landmarks, has been dubbed “Megalos Peripatos” (Grand Stroll) and is a 6.8km walkway scheduled to be completed by 2022.

Starting at 6am on Thursday (June 11), access to certain roads in the center of Athens will be banned to cars.

More specifically, access to Vas. Olgas Ave and to Herodou Attikou Ave will be allowed only to mass transport vehicles, vehicles for people with disability, vehicles parking in the Zappeion and Athens Tennis Club car parks, electric vehicles, taxis, supply and emergency and local residents’ vehicles.

Municipal police will be stationed to inform drivers of the changes.

Athens, Greece

Once works are completed on these roads, interventions will continue around Syntagma Square and along Panepistimiou St as of June 14 with the historic and trade center to be shut off to traffic in July, municipal authorities said.

Meanwhile, starting on June 15, those wishing to go through the historic center with their car will be required to send a text message (SMS) to a number that will be announced and which will also be used to book a parking spot assigned to their work company.

Violators will be fined with 150 euros.

Athens’ Grand Stroll is aimed at increasing public space to allow for social distancing, decongest public transport by giving pedestrians and cyclists priority, and increasing the frequency of public transport due to the opening of bus lanes.