€6.1 million road safety project signed for mountainous İskeçe
A €6.1 million road safety project covering 17.3 kilometres of roads in the mountainous area of İskeçe (Xanthi) has moved into the implementation phase after the contract was signed on September 29.
The project, funded through the “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2021–2027” programme, covers six sections of the mountainous road network in the İskeçe regional unit. The roads have deteriorated over time and due to the area’s demanding weather conditions.
The contract was signed at the office of İskeçe Deputy Regional Governor Vasiliki Pavlakaki in the presence of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and a representative of the contractor. Regional councillors Salih Yoruk, Ibrahim Amoutska and Fatih Ismailko also attended the signing.
ROAD SURFACE, SAFETY BARRIERS AND SIGNAGE TO BE UPGRADED
The works will include resurfacing the roads, replacing safety barriers, installing new horizontal and vertical road signs, and interventions to roadside vegetation.
The project is expected to improve road safety and traffic conditions for residents, businesses and visitors using the mountainous road network. Work is scheduled to begin after the necessary traffic-management measures are approved.
CROSS-BORDER CONNECTION INCREASES IMPORTANCE OF ROAD UPGRADES
Topsidis said the project was moving from the planning stage to implementation and noted that the regional authority was also working to have the project included in the Greece-Bulgaria Interreg programme.
According to the regional authority, the aim is to free up resources from the regional programme for additional road safety projects if the project is also incorporated into Interreg.
Topsidis and Pavlakaki also highlighted the increased importance of the mountainous road network following the operation of the cross-border connection between Demircik (Dimario) and the Greek-Bulgarian border. The regional authority said increased cross-border traffic has created additional demand for safe and functional transport infrastructure.
The authorities said special traffic arrangements will be introduced during the works and urged drivers to follow road signs and instructions from the relevant authorities.
