Work has officially begun on the construction of the new Ioannina-Kakavija road axis, a project of cross-border importance aimed at increasing road safety, significantly reducing travel time and strengthening the connection between Greece, Albania and the countries of the Western Balkans.
Preparatory work has begun on the ground, which includes clearing the area of vegetation, earthworks and leveling the ground with heavy equipment. These interventions mark the real start of the construction of the new road.
The contract for the realization of the project, worth 310 million euros (including VAT), was signed in December 2024. According to the General Secretary of Infrastructure in Greece, Dimitris Anagnopoulos, the axis is expected to be completed within 4 years.
● Project characteristics
The Ioannina-Kakavija road axis will have a total length of 70 kilometers and will be a continuation of the Ionian Highway, connecting Ioannina with the border point of Kakavija. It is considered the westernmost vertical axis of the Egnatia Motorway and is part of the main European transport network (TEN-T).
● The project is divided into two segments
Ianin – Kalpak: 46.4 km with new track and 6 junctions without level crossings (Kosmirë, Asvestohori, Grammenohoria, Pasanë, Zicë and Kari).
Kalpak – Kakavijë: 23.1 km, which includes the modernization of the existing road up to the border point.
The road is designed for a speed of 100 km/h, with two lanes in each direction and an emergency lane, while the total width of the highway reaches 22.25 meters, equipped with safety barriers and central separation.
● benefit
With the completion of this axis, the journey from Athens to the border with Albania will take about 4 hours and 30 minutes, bringing great time savings and increased safety. Currently it takes at least 6 hours from the border to Athens and this duration goes up to 8 or 9 hours.
The road will directly connect the Ionian Highway with Egnatia, ease traffic around Ioannina, serve the city’s airport and industrial area, and create faster access to the ports of Igoumenica and Patras.
Also, the project will significantly improve the connection of regions such as Konica, Florina and Kastoria, further strengthening economic cooperation and cross-border movement between Greece and Albania.
