Newsflash from Saturday, 7 February 2026:
The highly anticipated new BOAK (Crete Ring Road) project in western Crete is moving forward, but not without controversy. Recently signed contracts detail plans for toll charges that will affect thousands of residents and travelers. Here’s what you need to know about the controversial toll system, the timeline, and why local engineers are pushing back.
The Project Overview
The new BOAK is designed to connect major urban centers in western Crete with key entry points to the island, including the airport and the port of Kastelli in Kissamos. The project is expected to take five years to complete, with construction officially underway following a contract signing in Chania just days ago.
However, the ambitious timeline and toll structure have sparked significant resistance from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), the region’s professional engineering organization.
Understanding the Toll System: Two Phases
Phase 1: Temporary “Familiarity” Tolls
Before the permanent electronic toll system is installed, residents will be required to pay temporary toll charges at toll booths. These are officially called “familiarity tolls”—a term that has drawn criticism for downplaying what essentially amounts to paying for a road that hasn’t been fully completed.
Key Details:
* Temporary toll booths will be installed at multiple points along the highway.
* A primary toll station is planned between Vamos and Georgioupoli.
* These interim tolls will apply during the construction phase, with the contractor installing toll stations after road safety improvements are completed on existing highway sections.
Phase 2: Electronic Distance-Based Tolls
Once the road is fully operational, the temporary toll booths will be replaced by an electronic toll system installed at highway junctions. This system will charge drivers based on the distance traveled, making tolls more transparent and proportional to actual road usage.
The electronic system will:
* Track entry and exit points
* Calculate charges based on kilometers driven
* Operate automatically without requiring drivers to stop
What About Local Residents?
One of the most contentious issues is how local residents will be affected. The TEE Western Crete Division has demanded exemptions for residents in suburban areas of Chania who primarily use the new road for local travel.
Current Proposals Under Dispute:
* Exemptions or reduced tolls for permanent residents at certain junctions
* Relief measures for residents in areas like Platania, Agia Marina, and Nea Kydonia—all suburban communities that will increasingly depend on the BOAK for daily commuting
* The contractor has proposed limited one-hour toll-free passages, but these fall short of what residents’ representatives have demanded
Critical Deadlines and Risks
The contract includes strict timelines with significant financial consequences:
January 31, 2027 (12 Months from Contract Signing):
The Greek state must complete all necessary property expropriations for critical sections between Souda and Atsipopulo, where temporary toll booths will be installed. The contractor must also complete road safety improvements on existing highway segments.
The Expropriation Problem:
This is where the project faces its biggest obstacle. The Greek Cadastral Register is still being compiled, and property owners are expected to file objections. If expropriations are delayed beyond the 12-month deadline, the contractor can claim additional revenue, equipment idle fees, and compensation payments—even if no work is being done. This creates a financial liability for taxpayers if bureaucratic delays occur.
Engineer Association Backlash: What’s Not Being Done
The TEE Western Crete Division has publicly expressed strong opposition to the project’s current design, citing several unmet demands:
Missing Infrastructure Components:
* Kastelli Port Connection: The port of Kastelli (a nationally significant port) remains outside the project planning and won’t be properly connected.
* Airport-Chania Link: The planned connection between the airport and Chania city center doesn’t adequately address transportation needs.
* Agia Marina Junction: A proposed new junction at Agia Marina—which would have relieved traffic congestion for residents traveling from Platania—has been excluded from the plans.
* Nea Kydonia Route: The planned route bisects the settlement of Nea Kydonia without mitigation measures.
Timeline at a Glance
Date |
Milestone |
|---|---|
31 January 2027 |
Deadline for completion of expropriations by the state; completion of traffic safety improvements by the contractor |
Years 1–5 |
Main construction phase for key motorway sections |
Upon completion |
Activation of permanent electronic toll system |
What This Means for Your Wallet
Once tolls begin, here’s what to expect:
* Temporary Tolls: Amount not yet officially confirmed, but will apply during construction
* Permanent Electronic Tolls: Calculated per kilometer driven
* Potential Exemptions: Unclear for local residents; negotiations ongoing
* Payment Method: Electronic system compatible with multiple payment options
Specifically, the tolls paid by users will amount to €0.053 per kilometre, but the contractor will charge an additional shadow toll of €0.034 per kilometre to the state. For example, for the CHANIA-HERAKLION route with return trip, the contractor will charge a total of around €30 or more, €18 from the user and around €12 from the state.
It should be noted that the operator has the right to adjust the toll charges every 1 January!
The Bottom Line
The new BOAK promises to modernize transportation infrastructure in western Crete, but the toll structure raises legitimate questions about fairness for local residents and the financial risks posed by expropriation delays. Property owners facing potential expropriation should monitor official announcements, while frequent travelers should prepare for upcoming toll charges.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on government updates regarding toll rates, exemption eligibility, and expropriation timelines. If you own property potentially affected by the project, consider consulting with a local attorney about your rights.
The five-year project is underway—but the full costs to residents are still being determined.
