Athens, February 17 – A vital segment of the Attiki Odos motorway, serving as a primary route to Athens International Airport (AIA), is scheduled for a six-day closure to facilitate extensive maintenance works. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport officially announced this measure, emphasizing the necessity of the works for road safety and infrastructure integrity.
Affected Section and Duration of Closure
The closure specifically targets the airport-bound carriageway, spanning approximately eight kilometers. This section is located between the Aspropyrgos entrance (Interchange 4) and the Fyli Avenue entrance (Interchange 6). Nea Attiki Odos S.A., the concessionaire, confirmed that the affected stretch will be inaccessible to traffic from Monday, February 16, at 6:00 AM, until Sunday, February 22, at 6:00 AM. The duration and specifics of the works were determined in collaboration with the concessionaire and received approval from the Traffic Police.
Impact on Access Points
During this period, several interchanges will also experience suspended access towards the airport. These include the interchanges of Mandra, Magoula, Aspropyrgos, and Aigaleo. Motorists intending to travel to Athens Airport, Lamia, or central Athens will be unable to enter Attiki Odos from these specific points. This comprehensive closure aims to ensure the safety of both workers and commuters during the maintenance operations.
Alternative Routes and Travel Advice
Authorities strongly advise drivers to utilize Athens Avenue (Leoforos Athinon) as an alternative route to circumvent the closed section of Attiki Odos. Given the expected traffic disruptions, travelers, particularly those with scheduled flights from Athens International Airport, are urged to allocate additional travel time to reach their destinations. Planning ahead is crucial to minimize delays during this period.
Traffic Flow for Other Destinations
It is important to note that traffic heading towards Thriassio and Aspropyrgos will operate normally. Vehicles traveling in these directions will retain the ability to exit Attiki Odos at the relevant interchanges, ensuring that local traffic to these areas remains largely unaffected by the maintenance works.
Traffic Management and Public Awareness
The Traffic Police will be actively involved in implementing the necessary diversions and managing traffic flow to mitigate congestion. A public notice has been issued to inform motorists about the temporary arrangements and to encourage adherence to the advised alternative routes. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, alongside the Traffic Police, is working to ensure that the disruption is as minimal as possible for the commuting public.
Importance of Maintenance
These maintenance works are part of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of Greece’s road infrastructure. Regular upkeep of major motorways like Attiki Odos is essential for ensuring road safety, efficient traffic flow, and the longevity of critical transportation networks. While temporary inconvenience is unavoidable, the long-term benefits of such maintenance are significant for both residents and visitors.
Broader Context of Transport News
This closure follows recent transport-related news in Athens, including a three-day strike by Athens taxi drivers that commenced on February 17, with nationwide action expected to follow. These events highlight a period of significant activity and changes within the Greek transport sector, underscoring the dynamic nature of urban and national infrastructure management.
Drivers are encouraged to stay informed through official announcements and traffic updates to navigate the city effectively during this period of maintenance and potential industrial action. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and local traffic authorities will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.
