Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis stated that the Ionia Highway project will be completed within a year and a half,while visiting a worksite in Perdika in Ioannina region, northwestern Greece.

“It is obvious there can be no postponements, delays or inconsistencies with concessionary contracts – the new way the project is constructed, which is co-financing. The project will be delivered next year, in December,” he said.

The minister called on all parties to cooperate and pointed out “we should all work together, the local administration, the Region, the state departments, the private sector, so that highway constructions can progress on a daily basis. Otherwise, if we obstruct construction, it will be to our detriment.”

He also announced that a new exit will be constructed on Egnatia Highway, in the area of Driskos, so as to facilitate travellers to Albania as well as locals. Moreover, he said, a study on the road connecting Trikala, central Greece to Egnatia Highway is being carried out.

The 200 klm Ionia Highway runs from Antirrio to Ioannina and has an over 1 billion euro budget. According to the minister, it is a contemporary project that “employees 1,700 people as well as 300 companies with thousands of employees and offers a significant income to the country’s GDP.”

Chrysohoidis said that in a few days the government would announce the extension of Central Greece E65 highway construction from Lamia to Trikala. The minister, who will continue his tour around worksites, also underlined that road works connect people but at the same time offer employment and support growth and prosperity.