Ionian Islands Region considers installing traffic lights at Sotiriotissa road
Sotiriotissa
06 Jul 2022
/ 21:52
CORFU. The Ionian Islands Region seems to be turning to another simpler solution to deal with the traffic problem – traffic lights.
The Sotiriotissa junction leading to Nisi Gerekou has been an accident-spot for decades. Drivers are calling for a solution to address the traffic problem resulting from the heavy traffic to and from the Eth. Palaiokastritsa Rd due to tourist buses, catering businesses, accommodation establishments, bathers, athletes and visitors to football matches and, of course, local residents.
Under the current Regional Authority, the call for a study for the creation of a roundabout was published, but this solution seems to have been abandoned. Obviously there is not enough space for something like that and the expropriation would cost huge amounts of money.
About two years ago, plastic bollards were placed as a temporary solution to prevent accidents, but they would be damaged, destroyed or removed.
Recently, it was announced that a metal barrier will be placed in the centre of the road.
Another solution
The Ionian Islands Region seems to be turning to another simpler solution - traffic lights. An option that, until now, everyone had ruled out. The Deputy Regional Governor Kostas Zorbas told Enimerosi that on the occasion of the replacement of the old traffic lights, they asked a specialist to measure the daily traffic and the usual road behavior in these roads.
Kostas Zorbas and the Regional Council President Nikos Mouzakitis visited the junction on Tuesday 6 July and studied the plans together with the engineer. In addition to the installation of traffic lights, the proposal also includes the creation of a pedestrian crossing, as well as to make the road leading to Kontokali a one-way road with an exit from the ‘Pipilas’ junction.
However, until the proposal is implemented, the metal barrier will be placed as announced. According to Mr. Zorbas, these solutions - if and when approved by the Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport - will be implemented by the end of the year. We will see what will happen.
Under the current Regional Authority, the call for a study for the creation of a roundabout was published, but this solution seems to have been abandoned. Obviously there is not enough space for something like that and the expropriation would cost huge amounts of money.
About two years ago, plastic bollards were placed as a temporary solution to prevent accidents, but they would be damaged, destroyed or removed.
Recently, it was announced that a metal barrier will be placed in the centre of the road.
Another solution
The Ionian Islands Region seems to be turning to another simpler solution - traffic lights. An option that, until now, everyone had ruled out. The Deputy Regional Governor Kostas Zorbas told Enimerosi that on the occasion of the replacement of the old traffic lights, they asked a specialist to measure the daily traffic and the usual road behavior in these roads.
Kostas Zorbas and the Regional Council President Nikos Mouzakitis visited the junction on Tuesday 6 July and studied the plans together with the engineer. In addition to the installation of traffic lights, the proposal also includes the creation of a pedestrian crossing, as well as to make the road leading to Kontokali a one-way road with an exit from the ‘Pipilas’ junction.
However, until the proposal is implemented, the metal barrier will be placed as announced. According to Mr. Zorbas, these solutions - if and when approved by the Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport - will be implemented by the end of the year. We will see what will happen.
