€4M Studies Approved for Southern Crete Road Axis – Rethymno Section
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The Regional Committee of Crete has approved supplementary studies totaling €4 million for the Southern Road Axis of Crete, focusing on the Rethymno regional section “Rodakino – Sellia – Lefkogeia – Akoumia – Agia Galini.” The decision marks a significant step toward the full design maturity of one of southern Crete’s most strategic infrastructure projects, aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and regional development.
The Regional Committee of the Region of Crete has approved supplementary technical studies worth €4 million for the Southern Road Axis of Crete, specifically for the Rethymno regional section connecting Rodakino, Sellia, Lefkogeia, Akoumia, and Agia Galini. The studies cover the remaining parts of the road network as well as the parallel and vertical local support roads, which form an integral part of the overall design.
The Southern Road Axis and its supporting local network constitute a unified and coherent transportation system for the wider area. Each segment interacts with the others, making the completion of the entire design essential for the project’s functionality and readiness for implementation. The approved studies include the completion of the final technical designs for the remaining sections and the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment, ensuring that the project meets all regulatory and engineering standards.
In addition, the studies will address the supporting road network at the entrances and exits of the planned tunnel, a key component of the infrastructure. These works are part of the existing design contract, with the sixth comparative table specifically covering the remaining sections of the Rodakino–Agia Galini corridor, including the parallel and vertical local roads.
The approval of the supplementary studies represents another decisive step toward completing the design and advancing a project of strategic importance for southern Crete. The Southern Road Axis is expected to significantly improve road safety, accessibility, and connectivity between settlements, production zones, and tourism areas across Rethymno’s southern coastline.
Maria Lioni, Deputy Regional Governor of Rethymno, emphasized the importance of the decision: “The approval of supplementary studies worth €4 million marks a crucial step toward completing the design of the Southern Road Axis in Rethymno. This is a complex and demanding project that cannot be approached in isolation. The main axis and the supporting local network must be designed and function as a single system. By completing the required technical and environmental studies, we are taking a substantial step toward full project maturity and creating the conditions for the next implementation phase.”
She added that the Region of Crete and the Rethymno Regional Unit remain committed to promoting the necessary infrastructure for southern Crete, aiming for a safer, modern, and efficient road network that will enhance mobility, accessibility, and the region’s development prospects.
The Southern Road Axis stands as one of Crete’s most strategic infrastructure initiatives, combining engineering complexity with regional impact. Its completion will strengthen southern Crete’s connectivity, support tourism and local production, and contribute to balanced regional growth across the island.
