Corfu: Major Road Reconstruction Project Begins on Vryoni-Moraitika Axis
Corfu, April 3 – Extensive restoration work has commenced on the national road leading to southern Corfu, aiming to address significant landslides and roadbed subsidence. The intervention on the Vryoni-Moraitika axis includes support boreholes and a complete reconstruction of the asphalt surface. Additionally, road safety and lighting projects are being implemented at key points across the island.
As of tomorrow, two drilling rigs will begin support work at points where the ground has subsided, while leveling machines will immediately improve accessibility in the most dangerous sections.
The Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Giannis Trepekli, clarified that the intervention would not be limited to temporary fixes but would involve a complete reconstruction of the asphalt surface from Vryoni to the end of the route in Moraitika.
Weather Conditions Crucial for Project Implementation
The project’s execution remains intrinsically linked to weather conditions. As Mr. Trepekli emphasized, subsurface moisture makes immediate asphalting prohibitive due to the risk of material failure and wasted resources. “If it doesn’t dry, interventions cannot be made,” he noted, stressing the importance of quality and durability for the new infrastructure.
Impact of Natural Phenomena
The technical requirements of the project have tripled compared to initial studies, as climate change has caused dynamic erosion phenomena. Recent bad weather conditions exacerbated the situation in Perama, Benitses, and Moraitika, necessitating additional funding for support and anti-flood technical works. Geologists note that coastal erosion and landslides continue even after rainfall ceases, due to the action of underground currents.
According to the Region, the situation is dynamic, as even limited rainfall can alter the volume of restoration materials required. For this reason, the project was tendered with the addition of emergency funds allocated for natural disaster response.
Traffic Regulations and Lighting Improvements
To ensure safe execution of the works, traffic regulations have already been approved in collaboration with the Police Directorate. Sections of the road will be partially closed, leaving one lane of traffic for vehicle flow, with relevant signage being installed today.
Concurrently with the southern axis, the installation of street lighting and road markings has begun in the Troumbeta area to address visibility problems caused by fog. Similar lighting works are also planned for the Penia area, where the road network had lacked adequate lighting for a long time. These interventions will proceed alongside the road surface restorations, aiming for an overall upgrade of road safety on the island.
