On Friday morning at the offices of the Region of Crete, Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis signed off on a long-awaited project that now moves into the implementation phase.
With a budget of €20 million, this road safety project falls under the current EU funding period (NSRF) and focuses on infrastructure improvements across the Heraklion Regional Unit. The scope includes resurfacing, road axis enhancements, upgraded signage, new road markings, and safety barriers at hazardous points along the network.
Speaking shortly after the signing, Deputy Regional Governor of Heraklion, Nikos Syrigonakis, stated:
“Today, Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis signed the start of a major and highly important project for the Heraklion Regional Unit. With a budget of €20 million, the works will extend to all municipalities, covering resurfacing, road layout improvements, signage, markings, and the installation of safety barriers. It’s a project that will significantly improve road safety and better protect our citizens.”
The project spans 145 kilometers across Heraklion’s provincial network. Syrigonakis added that work officially begins now, with the goal of securing a contractor by next September—provided everything proceeds smoothly. All works are planned for road segments identified as high-risk.
Official Announcement from the Region of Crete:
The Region of Crete has formally included the project titled “Improving Road Safety in the Heraklion Regional Unit” in the “CRETE” 2021–2027 Operational Program, with a total budget of €20 million.
The initiative will target approximately 144 kilometers of provincial roads within Heraklion that currently exhibit reduced safety levels. These areas are marked by poor road alignment, problematic junctions, and sections suffering from wear and inadequate signage.
Planned interventions include:
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Restoration of damaged road surfaces with new asphalt layers
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Clearing of roadside areas to improve visibility
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Installation of signage and safety elements (road signs, markers, reflectors, and guardrails)
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Road surface markings and line repainting
Present at the signing were:
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Nikos Syrigonakis, Deputy Governor of Heraklion
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Maria Kasotaki, Head of the “Crete 2021–2027” Program Management Authority
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Chara Triamataki, Head of the Technical Works Directorate for Heraklion – Department of Transport Infrastructure
In his closing remarks, Syrigonakis emphasized the comprehensive nature of the project and its positive impact on public safety throughout the regional unit.