Three Key Infrastructure Projects Underway in Thessaloniki

Works are in progress for the metro system in Thessaloniki. Photo source: Ministry of Transport

Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras confirmed this week that three key infrastructure projects in Thessaloniki, were moving ahead as scheduled and once completed would give the northern port city a new lease on life.

Addressing the “2030: The New Identity of Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia – Strategy, Milestones, Challenges” conference organized by “Macedonia tis Kyriakis” and makthes.gr, Staikouras referred to the Thessaloniki Metro, which he said would be ready in November, the construction of a flyover expressway, and the renewal of the city’s bus fleet.

The goal, Staikouras said is to improve the standard of living for the city’s residents and to “transform Thessaloniki into a model of holistic development; a friendlier city for residents and visitors, with a strong geopolitical and geo-strategic footprint in Southeast Europe”.

The minister went on to underline that infrastructure and transport projects contribute to growth and the sustainable development of the economy, create jobs, and strengthen social cohesion.

Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras. Photo source: Ministry of Transport

The transport ministry’s strategy focuses on the effective implementation of ongoing projects and realistic planning; improving the security of “green” infrastructure and transport works; ensuring productivity and efficiency; and improving the credibility of the political system in terms of the timely implementation of the necessary interventions at the national level, he said.

Staikouras confirmed that the Thessaloniki Metro will be handed over in November; the flyover, which will help relieve traffic, will be completed through a private-public partnership in four years’ time; and 110 new electric  buses would be hitting the streets in May this year and more staff and drivers hired to meet the demand.

Lastly, Staikouras said actions had been taken to address the issue of parking space. Other projects in the pipeline in Thessaloniki include the upgrade of the Thessaloniki-Edessa road network and linking Pier 6 of the city’s port with the national roadway, the creation of the Pavlos Melas metropolitan park and of a new technology park linking the rail station with the port, a new terminal at Thessaloniki’s Makedonia airport, the renovation of the city’s expo center, a new children’s hospital, and the redevelopment of central Aristotelous Square and of the beach area.