Construction of the new BOAK motorway on Crete: Island’s Major Infrastructure Project Underway.
Construction of the new BOAK motorway on Crete: Island’s Major Infrastructure Project Underway
Key Developments on the Northern Road Axis of Crete
The Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) project is making significant strides in transforming Crete’s infrastructure. Construction has begun on the central section between Hersonissos and Neapoli, spanning 22.5 kilometres. This development marks a crucial step in the motorway’s progression.
A major milestone is the commencement of excavation work on the Selinari Tunnel in Lasithi. This twin-bore tunnel, extending approximately 2 kilometres, represents the largest engineering feat in this section. Each bore will accommodate two lanes of traffic, equipped with modern lighting and monitoring systems.
The Hersonissos-Neapolis segment is being executed through a public-private partnership. The consortium responsible for this £250 million (€290 million) endeavour includes GEK TERNA, AKTOR Concessions, and INTRAKAT. Funding for this section draws partially from the Recovery Fund, with additional financing secured through loans obtained by the consortium.
Key features of the Hersonissos-Neapolis section include:
- Total motorway length: 22.44 km
- Side/vertical network: 9.65 km
- Road width: 21.5 metres
- Two lanes per direction with emergency lanes
- 12 single-branch bridges (1.7 km total)
- 5 single-branch tunnels (6.75 km total)
- 5 new grade-separated junctions
- 1 double-branch cut-and-cover tunnel (215 m)
This central section follows the eastern segment from Neapoli to Aghios Nikolaos, where construction is already well underway. The 14.5-kilometre eastern stretch, managed by AKTOR (part of the INTRAKAT Group), is expected to be the first completed section. It is being built as a public project with a budget of £160 million (€186 million), also supported by Recovery Fund resources.
The BOAK project represents the largest new road infrastructure initiative in Greece. It aims to significantly improve connectivity across Crete, enhancing safety and supporting economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector. As work progresses, the project is set to reshape travel across the island, providing a modern, efficient transport link along Crete’s northern coast.
What is the Cost of the BOAK Chersonissos to Neapoli Section?
The BOAK Chersonissos-Neapoli section is expected to require approximately £16.5 million for preparatory works. This figure, estimated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, has been allocated from the 2021-2025 Sectoral Development Programme.
These funds will be utilised for several crucial preliminary activities:
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Land Acquisitions
A significant portion of the budget will be dedicated to compensating property owners for land acquisitions. Approximately 635,000 square metres of land will be expropriated for the project. This includes payments for the properties themselves, as well as any structures or improvements on the land. -
Archaeological Research
Given the rich historical significance of Crete, archaeological investigations are a necessary step before construction can begin. These studies will help preserve any important artefacts or sites that may be discovered along the motorway’s route. -
Utility Relocations
The project will require the relocation of various public utility networks that currently occupy the planned route. This complex process ensures minimal disruption to essential services during and after construction. -
Legal Consultation
A portion of the budget has been set aside for legal counsel. This expert will assist the Contracting Authority throughout the construction phase, providing guidance on legal matters and helping to resolve any disputes that may arise.
Key responsibilities of the legal consultant include:
- Offering legal opinions on issues raised by the Contracting Authority
- Preparing reports related to the implementation of the Partnership Agreement
- Advising on conflict resolution strategies
- Technical Consultation
A technical consultant will be appointed to review and assess the final designs submitted by the Private Partnership Entity. This consultant will examine various aspects of the project, including:
- Road construction plans
- Hydraulic systems
- Geotechnical studies
- Engineering structures
The technical consultant’s deliverables will include:
- Recommendations for each design submitted by the Private Partnership Entity
- Suggestions for corrections or improvements
- Detailed analysis of proposed plans
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Tender Publication Costs
Funds have been allocated to cover the expenses associated with publishing the project tender in local media outlets. This also includes the cost of announcing property expropriations. -
Tender Committee Compensation
Members of the Tender Committee will receive compensation for their work, as outlined in the Joint Ministerial Decision 76441/28-07-2022 (Government Gazette 674).
The Ministry has set an ambitious deadline for the completion of these preparatory activities, aiming to have them finalised by the end of 2025. This timeline aligns with the conclusion of the current Sectoral Development Programme.
It’s important to note that this £16.5 million allocation is solely for the preliminary works and does not represent the total cost of constructing the BOAK Chersonissos-Neapoli section. The actual construction costs will be with £160 million significantly higher and will be borne by the successful bidder in the public-private partnership arrangement.
The careful allocation of funds for these preparatory works demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth progress of this critical infrastructure project. By addressing potential obstacles such as land acquisition, archaeological concerns, and utility relocations in advance, the project team aims to minimise delays and complications during the main construction phase.
The involvement of legal and technical consultants further underscores the complexity of the BOAK project. These experts will play a crucial role in maintaining quality standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating effective communication between the public sector and the private partners.
Common Queries about the BOAK Motorway
What advantages will the new BOAK motorway bring to Crete’s transport system?
The new BOAK motorway is set to revolutionise travel on Crete. It will:
- Reduce journey times across the island
- Improve road safety with modern design standards
- Boost economic development by enhancing connectivity
- Accommodate increased tourist traffic more efficiently
These improvements should make travelling on Crete faster, safer, and more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
When is the BOAK motorway expected to be finished?
The exact completion date for the entire BOAK project is not yet certain. However, the construction is progressing in phases:
- Eastern section (Neapoli-Aghios Nikolaos): Currently under construction
- Middle section: In advanced planning stages
- Western section: To follow
The full motorway is likely to take several years to complete, given its scale and complexity.
How will the BOAK motorway impact traffic patterns on Crete?
The BOAK motorway is expected to significantly alter traffic flow on Crete:
- Reduced congestion on existing roads
- Faster east-west travel across the island
- Improved access to key towns and tourist destinations
- Potential for new development along the motorway corridor
These changes should lead to a more efficient and less stressful driving experience for both locals and tourists.
What environmental safeguards are in place for the BOAK motorway construction?
Environmental protection is a key concern for the BOAK project. Measures likely include:
- Comprehensive environmental impact assessments
- Wildlife crossings and noise barriers where necessary
- Use of sustainable materials and construction methods
- Replanting and landscaping to minimise visual impact
These steps aim to balance the need for improved infrastructure with environmental conservation.
What are the main obstacles in building the new BOAK motorway?
The construction of the BOAK motorway faces several challenges:
- Crete’s mountainous terrain requiring complex engineering solutions
- Balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation
- High project costs, estimated at 2.5 billion euros
- Coordinating work across a long, linear project site
How will the BOAK motorway connect with Crete’s current transport network?
The BOAK motorway will integrate with existing infrastructure in several ways:
- Connections to major towns and cities along its route
- Links to ports and airports, including the new airport at Kasteli
- Improved access to tourist sites and beaches
- Potential for new public transport services along the corridor
