Egnatia Odos: The “Malakasi A” tunnel is closing

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, responsible for Infrastructure, Nikos Tachiaos and a group of executives from the company “Egnatia Road SA”, led by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, George Konstantopoulos and engineers from the road maintenance company, accompanied by the Prefect of Epirus , Alexandros Kahrimanis, inspected yesterday afternoon, the twin tunnels named “Malakasi A” and the Anilio Traffic Control Center, from which the tunnels in the area are monitored. This was followed by a meeting at the Metsovo Town Hall with the participation of the Mayor, Maria-Christina Averof.

After the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport made the following statement:

“It is natural that any information regarding the safety of transportation creates a climate of concern among citizens. Since the previous Saturday, we have mobilized, both at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and at the public company “Egnatia Odos SA” that manages the road.

Although in the intervening time the political leadership of the Ministry did not come to the knowledge of any evidence justifying the concerns that triggered the mobilization, I invited the Regional Governor of Epirus, Alexandros Kahrimanis, to visit the disputed tunnel together, accompanied by experienced engineers of the manager company. From the on-site macroscopic inspection, no new data emerged beyond what is already known and concerns the reasonable wear and tear of a tunnel built in the 80s. In no case was the alleged static deficiency of the structure established.

It is important to emphasize that the heavy maintenance and redevelopment of the aging and worn infrastructure of Egnatia Road are scheduled to be carried out systematically and on the basis of the most modern and strict specifications by the concessionaire, with whom the relevant contract was signed just a week ago and with for which we have already started the preparation and implementation of the road map of delivery – receipt of the project. The certification of the tunnels and the maintenance of the bridges are the first priority of this obligation.

But because I understand very well the concern that has been created, especially at a time when schools are making trips to some of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the country and many of our fellow citizens are also planning their Easter holidays, the assurances of the political leadership of the Ministry are not enough of Infrastructure and Transport and the managing company to consolidate the sentiment. The conversation with the Mayor of Metsovo, Maria – Christina Averof, confirmed my concern about the escalating consequences on the reliability of a huge investment and a difficult project, which cost more than 7 billion euros, and on the development of the areas it serves.

After all this, I agreed with “Egnatia Odos S.A.” to suspend traffic in the northern branch of the “Malakasi A” twin tunnels towards Igoumenitsa, possibly from todayso that an inspection can be carried out by specialized building surveyors, whose expert report will form the basis for whether or not to return the tunnel to traffic. While the tunnel will remain closed, the circulation it will be conducted seamlessly in all directions with a bi-directionality of the southern branch, i.e. through a tunnel whose safety is not in question.

I insist that there is no obvious reason to stop traffic in the tunnel, but it is the duty of the state to address the concerns of the citizens, with empathy, seriousness and technocratic competence.

The credibility of the state and the safety of citizens are a non-negotiable priority of the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.”