After six years of roadworks, delays and political sparring Vasilissis Olgas Avenue is set to finally reopen to the public within the next 10 days.

The avenue, which connects the central Athens neighborhoods of Mets and Pangrati with the historic district of Plaka, has remained closed for years due to construction works and planning revisions. Authorities have now confirmed that the project is complete, with relevant agencies, such as STASY (Urban Rail Transport) and OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization), already informed ahead of the reopening.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the revamped avenue as one of the “crown jewels” of the city, emphasizing that completing the project was one of his pre-election campaign promises.

“The avenue remained closed for six years, including three and a half with no construction activity,” Doukas said. “Within two years, we delivered a multimodal road that is a showpiece for Athens.”

NEWSLETTER TABLE TALK

Never miss a story.
Subscribe now.

The most important news & topics every week in your inbox.

The mayor also made a pointed reference to his predecessor, Kostas Bakoyannis, noting that he was pleased the former mayor had expressed support for the completed project.

A revised traffic study, introduced under Doukas’ administration, redefined the avenue’s use. Instead of full pedestrianization, as previously planned, Vasilissis Olgas Avenue will now operate as a low-traffic, two-way road with a speed limit of 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour.

The redesign aims to balance accessibility with pedestrian-friendly urban planning, reflecting ongoing debates over how best to manage traffic and public space in the Greek capital.

With its reopening imminent, the avenue is expected to restore a key route in central Athens while offering a new model for low-impact urban mobility.