A New Era for Thessaloniki’s Traffic

In a period of intense infrastructure development and a clear focus on upgrading transportation, Thessaloniki’s Flyover is emerging as a game-changer for daily mobility. This ultra-modern infrastructure project includes the construction of the longest bridge ever built in Greece, promising to redefine urban travel in the country’s second-largest city.

The Flyover is an extensive 13-kilometer road system designed to radically upgrade the Eastern Inner Ring Road. Its primary goals are to ensure uninterrupted, faster traffic flow, enhance road safety, and significantly decongest one of the busiest traffic arteries in Greece.

The Bridge: A Record-Breaking Feat

At the heart of the project is a 4-kilometer-long, 22-meter-wide bridge. Once completed, it will surpass even the historic Rio-Antirrio Bridge in length, making it the longest continuous bridge in Greece. The total cost of the project is approximately €478 million, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The AVAX – METKA consortium is responsible for both construction and long-term operation and maintenance after completion.

Construction Progress: On Track for 2027

Work at the construction site is advancing rapidly, with progress visible along the entire length of the Eastern Ring Road. As of late 2025, over 35% of the project has been completed, according to recent updates from engineers and authorities. Photos and videos from the site show extensive earthworks, the installation of special metal formworks (orange and blue) for the elevated roadway’s structural framework, and significant interventions in existing infrastructure.

Traffic and Safety: Doubling Capacity

The Flyover is designed to double the current capacity of the Ring Road, increasing its ability to handle traffic from about 5,000 vehicles per hour to up to 10,000 vehicles per hour. This is expected to radically transform daily commutes in Thessaloniki, offering safer, faster connections to key routes such as the Egnatia Odos, PATH.E., Macedonia Airport, and Chalkidiki.

During construction, significant interventions have already been made to the road network, including the demolition of old bridges like the Panorama Bridge to make way for the new through-flow, as well as temporary traffic arrangements to maintain vehicle flow without major disruptions.

Impact on Quality of Life

Upon completion, the Flyover will serve as a landmark for Thessaloniki and the entire country. It will not only upgrade the daily commutes of thousands of drivers but also substantially improve the quality of life by reducing travel times, accidents, and promoting more sustainable urban transport.

The project remains on schedule, despite the challenges inherent in large-scale technical works. The handover is planned for May 2027, marking a new chapter for urban mobility in Greece.