What will happen with Mouragia road?

The Municipality plans to commission, as soon as possible, an implementation study based on the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), focussing on traffic management in the town and the Mouragia area.

The recent works on the sewer pipeline were completed within a week, and many residents are now calling for Arseniou Street to be turned into a pedestrian zone. A lively debate —including on Enimerosi — was sparked by a post on the Your Complaints to the Mayor social media group, focussing on exactly this prospect. Some, however, fear that if the street becomes pedestrianised, the new walkway could soon be taken over by tables and chairs from nearby cafés and restaurants.

Speaking to Enimerosi, Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos said that if the issue were handled merely as an administrative decision, it could easily be overturned by the first legal appeal. For that reason, the Municipality is seeking solid technical documentation on the future of the road and whether vehicle access should continue or not. Relevant reports have already been requested from DEYAK —to ensure there’s no repeat of past damage to the underground pipes— as well as from municipal and regional departments involved in the matter.

Asked why the implementation study had not been assigned earlier, given that the SUMP was approved a year ago, the mayor explained that last year the Municipality was on the brink of bankruptcy and unable to fund even basic operations — a situation that has now been resolved.

The upcoming study will assess overall traffic options, including the possibility of designating Arseniou Street as a low-traffic zone, permanently banning heavy vehicles.

Meanwhile, the sewer restoration works at Mouragia uncovered significant sections of the old Venetian wall. Because of this archaeological discovery, engineers had to reroute part of the pipeline through an alternative connection.

All parties, however, praised the contractor for the speed and quality of the work.

Residents’ Association Statement

The association of permanent residents reminded the public of what the SUMP already envisions for the area:

"The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, prepared by a Transport Studies Company and approved by the Municipal Council of Central Corfu, states:

'A key feature of the new traffic plan is the transformation of the coastal axis surrounding the Old Town —from Alexandras Avenue to the old port— into a low-traffic, one-way route, maintaining the existing direction of flow.

The Arseniou–Donzelot section will have controlled access, allowing passage and parking for residents, as well as the movement of low-emission public transport (electric or hybrid vehicles) and taxis, in addition to emergency and specially authorized vehicles. 

The goal of this intervention is to reduce motor traffic within the boundaries of the historic community and ultimately to turn the town’s seafront into a true hub of social and recreational activity, while promoting sustainable, active forms of mobility such as walking and cycling.'

GIORGOS KATSAITIS