More than 3,000 police officers have been deployed across central Athens as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins an official visit to Greece on Wednesday, with extensive security measures and rolling traffic restrictions expected to affect the capital through Thursday morning.
The security operation began Tuesday night and will remain in place until Rubio’s departure on the morning of October 8. Traffic disruptions will change throughout the day as police temporarily close roads and divert vehicles along the U.S. delegation’s motorcade routes.
Greek police are urging drivers to avoid using private cars in central Athens where possible and opt for public transportation instead.
Roads affected across central Athens
Temporary closures and diversions will affect major roads in and around Syntagma Square, the central Athens square that is home to the Greek Parliament.
Affected roads include Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, Panepistimiou Street and Stadiou Street, as well as roads surrounding Syntagma Square.
Police may also impose temporary restrictions at other locations depending on the movements of Rubio’s motorcade.
The heaviest disruption is expected along the routes used by the U.S. delegation and around locations where Rubio will hold official meetings.
Metro, buses and trolleybuses
There has been no announcement of an extended closure of central Athens Metro stations for the entire day because of the visit.
However, stations may be temporarily closed for security reasons. If that happens, trains will pass through without stopping, with stations reopening once restrictions are lifted.
Passengers should also take into account previously scheduled evening restrictions on Metro Line 3 because of construction work.
Bus and trolleybus routes in central Athens may also face delays and diversions as a result of temporary road closures.
Passengers have been advised to follow the latest updates from OASA, Athens’ public transport authority, and STASY, which operates the city’s fixed-track transit system, as measures may change throughout the day.
More than 3,000 officers deployed
The security operation involves more than 3,000 police officers from traffic, security and public-order units. The plan also includes aerial surveillance using drones.
Security has been reinforced at Pnyx, the historic hill in central Athens where Rubio is expected to deliver a speech. The operation reportedly also includes the deployment of snipers at selected elevated positions.
Additional security measures are in place around the Foreign Ministry, the Maximos Mansion — the official office of the Greek prime minister — and the U.S. Embassy, as well as along the routes of the motorcade.
Public gatherings banned in designated area
A ban on outdoor public gatherings and motorized marches is in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday within a designated area of Athens.
The restricted area is bounded by Rizari, Ploutarchou, Kleomenous, Melinas Merkouri, Koniari, Anastasiou Tsocha, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Kaisareias, Michalakopoulou, Alkmanos, Ionos Dragoumi, Vasileos Alexandrou Avenue, Evfroniou and Rizari streets.
Greek police cited risks to public safety and the possibility of serious disruption to social and economic activity in the area as the reasons for the ban.
Rubio’s Athens agenda
During his visit, Rubio will meet Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and participate in the sixth round of the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue.
His schedule also includes a speech at Pnyx and a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion at 7 p.m.
Traffic problems are therefore expected at various times not only around Syntagma Square and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, but also along routes to Pnyx and other roads used by the U.S. secretary of state’s motorcade.
Restrictions will be lifted gradually after Rubio’s movements are completed, with the special security measures expected to end Thursday morning.
