Greece's Summer of Infrastructure: E65 Motorway, Kalamaria Metro Extension and Skaramagas Interchange Transform Transportation

The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important periods for infrastructure development in Greece in recent years. Within just a few weeks, major transport projects are being completed or launched, affecting millions of residents, businesses and visitors.

The completion of the E65 Motorway, the Thessaloniki Metro extension to Kalamaria, and the signing of the contract for the Triple Skaramagas Interchange are three landmark developments that go far beyond transportation. They are expected to boost the economy, tourism, logistics and everyday mobility while marking a new chapter in Greece's infrastructure network.

E65 Completes a Strategic North–South Road Corridor

The completion of the Central Greece Motorway (E65) represents one of the country's most significant road infrastructure milestones.

With the final northern section now completed, the motorway provides a continuous connection between:

• PATHE Motorway
• Thessaly
• Western Macedonia
• Egnatia Odos Motorway

The new corridor significantly reduces travel times between southern and northern Greece while offering safer and more efficient journeys for both private motorists and freight transport.

For travelers heading towards Epirus, Grevena, Kastoria or Thessaly, the difference in travel time is already noticeable, while traffic pressure on older regional roads is expected to decrease.

Thessaloniki Metro Reaches Kalamaria

Another project set to reshape urban mobility is the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro towards Kalamaria.

The new line adds:

• Five new stations
• Approximately 4.8 kilometers of underground railway

The stations include:

• Nomarchia
• Kalamaria
• Aretsou
• Nea Krini
• Mikra

Residents of eastern Thessaloniki will now be able to reach the city center in roughly 15 minutes, significantly reducing dependence on private vehicles and easing daily congestion.

The extension also strengthens the city's public transport network and improves access for commuters, students and visitors.

Contract Signed for the Triple Skaramagas Interchange

At the same time, another major infrastructure project is officially moving forward in the Athens metropolitan area.

The construction contract for the Triple Skaramagas Interchange has now been signed, marking the beginning of works designed to eliminate one of Attica's busiest traffic bottlenecks.

The area serves:

• Heavy freight traffic
• Daily commuter vehicles
• Access to the shipyards
• Connections to the Port of Piraeus
• National Highway traffic

The redesigned interchange aims to improve traffic flow, increase road safety and significantly reduce congestion during peak hours.

Infrastructure Means More Than Construction

Large infrastructure projects are often measured by budgets, engineering complexity or construction timelines.

In reality, their greatest value lies in the time they give back to people.

Better roads and improved public transport result in:

• Less time spent in traffic
• Lower fuel consumption
• Reduced vehicle emissions
• Safer journeys
• Less stress during daily commuting

These benefits may not always be reflected immediately in statistics, but they quickly become part of everyday life.

Strong Benefits for Tourism

Modern transport infrastructure is also a key factor for tourism.

Visitors increasingly expect:

• Fast transportation
• Safe road networks
• Easy airport connections
• Reliable public transport

The completion of the E65 improves access to mountainous destinations and mainland Greece, while the Kalamaria Metro extension enhances mobility within Thessaloniki, one of Greece's fastest-growing tourist destinations.

What Comes Next

Several additional infrastructure projects are expected to progress over the coming months, including:

• The first operational section of the Northern Crete Motorway (BOAK)
• Continued construction of the Thessaloniki Flyover
• Railway restoration projects following severe weather damage
• New upgrades to major highway junctions across Greece

Together, these investments represent one of the country's largest infrastructure modernization efforts in decades.

Conclusion

The summer of 2026 is becoming a landmark period for Greece's transport infrastructure.

The completion of the E65 establishes a vital national motorway corridor, the Thessaloniki Metro extension brings Kalamaria closer to the city center, and the Triple Skaramagas Interchange promises to improve one of Attica's most congested road networks.

If current construction schedules continue as planned, Greece will benefit from faster, safer and more efficient transportation, supporting residents, businesses and millions of visitors for years to come.