Crete’s Largest Road Project Kicks Off to Transform Travel Across the Island
The Greek government has officially launched construction on what is being hailed as Crete’s most ambitious road infrastructure project to date: the Iraklio-Hania section of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK). On Friday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis personally attended the contract signing ceremony, calling the project a landmark development for the island.
“Today is indeed a great day for Crete”, Mitsotakis declared. “This project will not only improve transport but also significantly enhance road safety for residents and visitors alike.”
A Strategic Lifeline for Crete
The VOAK motorway, also known as the A90, is set to become Crete’s primary east-west transportation artery, stretching 157 kilometres between the island’s two largest cities: Iraklio and Hania. With a projected completion timeline of five years, the project represents a strategic investment in Crete’s future growth, connectivity, and tourism potential.
“This is a technically complex and challenging project, with an estimated implementation timeline of about five years,” Mitsotakis noted, while urging local authorities and stakeholders to work together in overcoming any hurdles.
Crete, Greece’s largest island, has long suffered from fragmented and dangerous road networks, particularly along the northern coastline. The new motorway aims to replace outdated, single-lane roads with a modern, high-capacity corridor designed to EU safety standards.
Key Infrastructure Elements
The scale of the VOAK project is nothing short of impressive. With a total investment of €1.75 billion, the project will deliver:
- 43 interchanges
- 23 tunnels
- 89 bridges
- 89 underpasses
- 12 overpasses
- 18 cut-and-cover sections
This extensive infrastructure will not only ease traffic congestion but also improve resilience against landslides, flooding, and other natural hazards that have historically disrupted travel on the island.
Improving Safety and Reducing Travel Time
According to the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the project will cut travel times between Iraklio and Hania by nearly 40%, reducing the journey to just over an hour. This is a game-changer for both locals commuting for work and tourists exploring Crete’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
“We are prioritising safety and efficiency,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry. “The new motorway will feature state-of-the-art traffic management systems, lighting, and barrier protections to ensure a safe driving experience.”
Environmental and Social Impact Considerations
While the benefits of the VOAK project are clear, environmental groups have raised concerns about the ecological impact of large-scale construction across sensitive coastal and inland ecosystems. In response, the Greek government has pledged to implement advanced environmental protection measures, including wildlife crossings, noise barriers, and reforestation initiatives.
Public consultations were held earlier this year to address these concerns. The Ministry has committed to ongoing community engagement throughout the construction phase to ensure that the project aligns with sustainable development goals.
Economic Benefits Beyond Construction
Beyond the immediate job creation and economic stimulus provided by the construction phase, the VOAK motorway is expected to deliver long-term economic benefits by boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and improving access to key ports and airports.
Crete’s tourism industry, which accounts for nearly half of the island’s GDP, stands to gain significantly from improved road connectivity. Easier access to popular destinations such as Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos could help extend the tourist season and attract visitors to lesser-known areas.
Integrating with Greece’s Wider Transport Network
The VOAK project is part of a broader national strategy to modernise Greece’s transportation infrastructure. Once completed, the motorway will seamlessly connect with existing and future transport hubs, including ferry terminals, airports, and major highways linking Crete to the Greek mainland.
This integrated approach aims to position Crete as a key logistics and tourism hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting both domestic and international economic activity.
A Vision for a Safer, Connected Crete
With construction now underway, the VOAK motorway represents more than just concrete and asphalt. It symbolises a long-overdue commitment to improving the quality of life for Crete’s residents and unlocking new opportunities for economic and social development.
As Prime Minister Mitsotakis put it: “This is a transformative project that reflects our vision for a safer, more connected, and more prosperous Crete.”
