An extensive program of technical interventions is being launched to improve road safety along the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK), focusing on the Kissamos–Chania to Linoperamata–Heraklion section, covering a total length of approximately 145 kilometers.
The project is budgeted at around €107 million and involves immediate safety upgrades at high-risk locations.
What the Intervention Program Includes
According to the “BOAK Road Safety Study,” commissioned by the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and carried out by the Crete Development Organization S.A., 13 high-risk zones were identified, 11 of which are located in this specific section.
Between 2022 and 2024, there were:
26 serious traffic accidents
20 fatalities
18 serious injuries
The interventions will be implemented in phases, based on priority level, urgency, and technical feasibility.
Key Measures Include:
Creation of “2+1” traffic lanes, alternating a passing lane in each direction
Clearing visibility zones (tree trimming, cleaning of shoulders and ditches)
New signage and traffic lights where needed
Redesign of 56 junctions and construction of 2 new ones (Geropotamos, Heraklion landfill)
Temporary rockfall protection measures across 24 km
Installation of plastic bollards along the center line to separate directions
New asphalt layers, anti-skid surfaces, and updated road markings
Installation of safety barriers and reflectors
These are low-cost, immediate, and temporary measures that do not require environmental permits or expropriations and are intended to bridge the gap until the new highway is completed.
Pilot Project Results: Patras – Pyrgos Road
The program is modeled on a similar initiative implemented on the Patras–Pyrgos National Road, which has comparable risk characteristics. Following the deployment of these measures in December 2023, data from the Traffic Police show that in 2024:
Fatal accidents dropped by nearly 90%
Zero head-on collisions were recorded
Goals of the Plan
The main objectives are:
Gradual reduction of fatal and serious traffic accidents
Maintaining functionality of the existing road during upgrades
Smooth traffic flow during construction of the new highway
Safe usage of intersections and road entries/exits
