The big 9+1 projects in Thessaloniki aim to change the face of the second largest city in the country. These projects are mainly transportation projects to help improve transportation conditions in Thessaloniki, which are currently at saturation rates.
In Thessaloniki in particular, the implementation of a well-planned program of projects worth approximately 5 billion euros is underway, which concerns the city and the region as a whole. But what are these projects?
1. Overflight of Thessaloniki Regional
It is a PPP project with a budget of 377 million euros (excluding VAT) and we are talking about a project ideally designed for Thessaloniki, a modern highway above ground, without tolls, that will change the day-to-day life of the city.
The bidding started at the end of 2020 and offers were submitted at the end of 2021. The sponsorship scheme is between AVAX-Mytileneos. The PPP project contract was signed at the end of the year until the first construction sites will be installed in the next period to start its construction. The Contracting Authority is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
2. Thessaloniki Metro
As for the Thessaloniki Metro, a great effort is being made for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Attica Metro to deliver this flagship project to Thessaloniki in the first half of 2024. It is a complex exercise as it has to be completed in the register . Venizelos weather station which was delayed due to antiquities. The extension to Kalamaria will be delivered in 2024.
The objective is to highlight the archaeological finds in the Metro and have their presence in the stations. At the same time, the tender for the operation and maintenance of the Thessaloniki Metro will soon be carried out through a PPP tender in which it is estimated that European companies will also participate.
The project consists of the 9.6 km main line with 13 stations and the 4.8 km Kalamaria line with 5 stations. In the basic line, the contractor is the AKTOR-WEBUILD-HITACHI scheme and in the Kalamaria line, AKTOR. The contracting authority is Attiko Metro.
3. Courthouses of Central Macedonia
It is a PPP contest for the creation of new courts in Serres, Edessa and the improvement of the existing court in Thessaloniki. The competition is ongoing since 2021.
The schemes that have passed phase B` are: GEK TERNA, ACTOR CONCESSIONES, AVAX, MYTILINEOS-ATESE, INTRAKAT-REDEX. The tender is in charge of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The cost is estimated at 148 million euros.
4. Thessaloniki Children’s Hospital
This is another great donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The Thessaloniki University Children’s Hospital will be built on the northwest side of Thessaloniki, in Filiro, with a donation of €150 million from the Foundation and is scheduled to be completed and handed over to public health in December 2025. The tender is underway and within 2023 it is estimated that the works will begin.
5. Aliakmona Bridge
This is a project that improves the Aegean highway and is considered of great importance to increase the level of road safety. The works were carried out in the direction of Thessaloniki, on the Maliakos-Kleidi section.
The 600 meter long Aliakmona bridge is undergoing a complete reconstruction of its support with the replacement of the deck and the incorporation of 6 new intermediate piers and 2 abutments. The works are carried out by AVAX for the Aegean Highway.
It is a hub for the wider region of Central Macedonia. A project that has finished at the end of 2022.
6. Thessaloniki-Edessa road axis
It is a PPP road project promoted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The auction of the project is a fact and on December 5, 2022 the contest began with the expression of interest. We are now expected to move on to Phase B of the process. It is a project that is awaited with great interest since the current axis needs an immediate update.
It has a total length of approximately 80 km and a budget of 419 million euros, which includes operation and maintenance.
This is a project in the Central Macedonia region, it is vitally important, it stretches from Thessaloniki prefecture to Pella prefecture. The project will reduce travel times, and therefore costs, will provide new road safety standards, and will bring the city and the industrial estate closer to the productive interior of Pela and the Region in general.
7. OLTH-PATHE road connection
This project is under construction by AKTOR. This is the connection of pier 6 of the OLTH with the country’s road network. The contracting authority is Egnatia Odos. Its delivery is estimated for the beginning of 2024. This project will significantly increase the possibility of combined transport and the overall competitiveness of the Port of Thessaloniki, while the development of the port brings development to the city, large investments and jobs.
8. OLTH rail connection
Last year, ERGOSE also announced the project to connect OLTH with the country’s railway network. The goal is to turn the port into a logistics and freight transport hub in northern Greece and with a direct positive influence on the Balkan markets.
9. Western suburbs of Thessaloniki
This project was tendered with the THA rail link as a package by ERGOSE. It is a project that brings the dormant lines in the west of Thessaloniki back to life and also creates some new ones with the aim of creating suburban lines that will serve the western side of the city.
The project +1
The tenth project concerns the extension of the sixth berth in the port of Thessaloniki. The project is considered critical for the development of the port and the city. It will double the cargo capacity and turn the city into a cargo hub for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The corresponding tender is pending and as has been known, the project will be assumed by the consortium”MYTILINEOS SA – ROVER MARITIME SL – HDK SA”