Eight in ten residents of central Athens are in favor of reopening Vasilissis Olgas Avenue to cars, according to a recent participatory workshop held by the municipality. The consultation was part of the “15-Minute Open Neighborhood” project, and results showed that 83% of participants supported the plan, with only 17% opposed.
Work has already begun to reverse traffic flow on Amalias Avenue, near Vasilissis Olgas, allowing residents of Plaka to access their homes without detouring through Syntagma Square.
Interventions of the Municipality of Athens on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue as part of the construction works for the “Great Walk” on Thursday, June 11, 2020 (EUROKINISSI / VASSILIS REBAPIS)
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas presented the new traffic plan, stressing that the avenue cannot remain closed, “cutting Athens in two.” He noted that the previous closure, implemented during the pandemic, had left the road painted but without substantial works. The new study, completed in June, promises to deliver a corridor that eases congestion, connects neighborhoods, and serves all Athenians.
According to the survey, 45% of residents said the main benefit would be reduced traffic congestion, 20% cited its use as a multimodal corridor for cars, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians, and another 20% emphasized easier mobility for locals. Smaller percentages highlighted equal access for citizens, smoother traffic flow, and reduced pollution.
The plan includes:
- A complete traffic study forecasting a 20% reduction in delays and lower emissions.
- A multimodal design allowing pedestrians, cyclists, trams, trolleybuses and limited cars at low speeds.
- An extended green pedestrian route linking Zappeion with the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
- Preservation of archaeological sites along the route.
Additional works were also announced in nearby districts such as Pangrati, Mets and Neos Kosmos, including the demolition of unsafe buildings, enhancement of Athens’ First Cemetery, and the creation of an 8 km municipal bus line with 30 stops connecting Goudi, Pangrati and Neos Kosmos.
