The Corinth Canal, which separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese, will reopen in early July after a number of landslides last year left the passageway inaccessible for over a year, according to greekreporter.com.
The canal will reopen on July 5 and will remain accessible until October, when it will close again for further restoration works, Greek Deputy Minister of Development and Investment Christos Dimas noted in a statement.
“The goal is for the canal to reopen in July and for it to be used safely at least for the entirety of the summer,” Dimas noted.
This is important, as the canal is used primarily by personal boats and cruise lines, making it vital for tourism in Greece.
The Corinth Canal is one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure in the entire nation, and its long closure has been disastrous for transport and tourism in the country.
In February 2021, a landslide forced authorities to stop the operation of the Corinth Canal. Restoration works started, but in July new landslides put a stop to the works altogether.
The landslides were especially destructive, as massive boulders from the side of the Peloponnese fell into the canal.
Massive reconstruction projects have been implemented at the Corinth Canal after the landslide. The plan, which costs over 30 million euros, was approved in December of last year, and construction began in February.
The reconstruction will not only fix the damage caused by the landslides but will also strengthen the canal’s existing structures.
“Within only one year, we as a ministry were able to follow through with all of the necessary procedures in order for the restoration plan to become reality,” the Deputy Minister said.
Greek Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Chardalias also praised the reconstruction efforts at the canal, and underlined the importance of the canal’s opening for the Greek economy, particularly ahead of the summer tourism season.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
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