Repair and maintenance works have officially begun on a road tunnel along Ethnikis Antistaseos Avenue in Nea Ionia, a northern suburb of Athens, leading to significant temporary changes in traffic flow in the area.
The intervention, carried out by the regional authorities of Attica, focuses on restoring structural damage and improving overall road safety on one of the area’s key transport corridors. Works are taking place along the stretch between Herakliou Avenue and the Municipal Stadium, affecting vehicle movement in both directions.
Temporary traffic diversions in place
The road is considered a heavily used urban artery, carrying a high volume of daily traffic, including public buses. It also serves as a key access route to a major hospital in the area, meaning ambulances frequently pass through the corridor.
To manage disruptions, a full set of traffic regulations has been introduced for the duration of the project. The local traffic police, supported by municipal officers, is enforcing temporary measures and redirecting vehicles using special signage designed to maintain flow as smoothly as possible.
Drivers passing through the area are expected to face delays and detours while the works are underway.
Concerns over structural wear
The project comes after repeated concerns raised by the municipality of Nea Ionia regarding visible deterioration in the tunnel and surrounding infrastructure, including the central island and adjacent sidewalks.
Local authorities had previously warned about potential structural issues affecting the tunnel area, noting that the road section is built above a historically sensitive underground watercourse. The structure is located near the ancient Hadrian Aqueduct system and above the covered riverbed of the Podoniftis stream.
