Major Sidewalk Upgrade Project Continues in Athens

A major project for the upgrade of the sidewalks in Athens is underway in the city’s commercial center and neighborhoods, the Municipality of Athens announced on Monday.

Budgeted at 24 million euros, the project started in July with the aim to improve safety conditions and the quality of life of people that live and work in the center of the Greek capital.

Already, the municipality has improved the sidewalks on the following streets in the city center: Sina, Vissarionos, Favieriou, Akominatou, Ious, Amfipoleos and Kiou.

Works are currently underway on Plateon street and at Agias Markellas square.

Each new sidewalk is made of environmentally friendly materials (marble, cement slabs, concrete tiles), that help prevent the development of the so-called “urban heat island” phenomenon that occurs when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.

The municipality aims to have modernized a total of 410 sidewalks by the summer of 2023.

“Day by day Athens is getting the sidewalks of a modern metropolis. A city that respects its residents and visitors, and offers safety and comfort for their movement,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said.

“The municipality will continue to work towards achieving sustainability and resilience,” he added.