Work begins on road improvements at Gümülcine State Hospital
The project, with a total budget of €162,187.44, includes a series of infrastructure upgrades designed to improve road safety for both motorists and pedestrians in one of the city's busiest areas.
Hospital officials and regional authorities have long identified the surrounding road network as a traffic bottleneck, with frequent violations and safety concerns resulting from heavy vehicle and pedestrian movement.
As part of the project, a central median will be installed along the roadway, except at the entrances to the hospital and the Public Power Corporation (PPC), to prevent illegal turns and unsafe crossings. Dedicated bus bays will also be constructed, while new pedestrian crossings behind bus stops will allow passengers to cross the road more safely without walking in front of buses.
Additional works include the construction of a new sidewalk along the hospital perimeter, the creation of a taxi stand with space for at least four vehicles, four new pedestrian crossings, upgraded horizontal and vertical road signage, parallel parking bays opposite the hospital where space permits, and a new asphalt surface to improve driving conditions.
Authorities said temporary traffic arrangements are expected to remain in place for approximately two months, while the overall project is scheduled for completion within four months from the start of construction.
Commenting on the launch of the works, the Deputy Regional Governor for Rodopi said ensuring public safety remains one of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace's top priorities, adding that the project is expected to address long-standing traffic issues in one of Gümülcine's busiest locations.
Regional authorities said the improvements will significantly enhance safety, accessibility and functionality for patients, healthcare workers, visitors and all road users.
They also called on residents and drivers to cooperate during the construction period by following temporary traffic regulations and road signage to ensure the project is completed safely and on schedule.
