Construction
The construction of the E65 is a project of particular strategic importance for the development of Greece and rural Greece, as it is being constructed on a completely new layout design and essentially connects Eastern and Western Greece. Upon its completion it will connect central Greece to the Trans-European Networks, the ports of Igoumenitsa and Volos, and it will integrate the transports system on a regional and local level.
Its most important technical characteristics include:
- 15 Interchanges
- 6 Motorist Service Stations
- 3 Fire and Traffic Police Stations
- 7 x 2 Tunnels (Total length 18.3 km)
- 146 Bridges, Overpasses, and Underpasses
- 88 Wildlife Crossings
Currently the middle part of the E65 (from Xyniada I/CC to Trikala I/C), with a total length of 77.5 km, and 14.2 km of the southern section (from E65 semi-I/C on the ATHE motorway to the Karpenisi I/C), which has a total length of 32.5 km, have been constructed and are fully operational. Information on the progress of construction is available here.
The northern part of the E65 (Trikala I/C – Egnatia I/C, intersection 15 km west of Grevena) has a total length of 70.5 km and a budget of 442.5 million Euros. Detailed information on the progress of construction works is available here.
Financing
In mid 2007, following an international tender, Kentriki Odos undertook the design, planning, construction, operation, exploitation, and maintenance of the ‘Aftokinitodromos Kentrikis Ellados – E65’ Concession project.
The project budget exceeds 1.4 billion Euros and the full description of the financing model is included in the Concession Agreement.
Essentially, the project’s financing comes from a combination of equity, bank loans, European & Greek State funds, and the contribution of the project’s users.