Road improvements progressing at snail΄s pace

The three major construction projects in the Ionian Islands Region, concerning road infrastructure in Central and North Corfu, are being carried out at a snail's pace. There have also been some problems with sinkage on roads that were asphalted just a few months ago.

The southern area, with its worn-out road network, which worsened after the "Ballou" storm, is awaiting the court's decision regarding the contracting of the project after objections were raised among the contractors. "All three construction projects being executed in Central and North Corfu have slowed down," Manolis Orfanoudakis, Deputy Regional Governor for Infrastructure and Technical Works, told Enimerosi. The cause of this slowdown is the transition of the already approved projects to the national segment of the Public Investments Program (PIP) in the National Development Program (NDP) for 2021-2025, which has created uncertainty among contractors regarding smooth project financing. As Mr. Orfanoudakis mentioned, letters have already been sent to the project contractors, informing them that the NDP has been activated so that the projects, with completion scheduled for October 2023, can proceed at an accelerated pace.

Pressing timeline

Although initially the asphalt and technical works were being carried out at a satisfactory rate, now the crews will have to step on the gas to meet the deadlines. Especially for the construction project that started first of all, namely the improvement of the National Road Tzavros - Paleokastritsa, which includes the connecting provincial roads of Central Corfu, with a budget of €4,577,400, the predictions for its completion within 12 months from the signing of the contract (6/12/2021) have been refuted, despite the optimism expressed at that time, both by the Regional Authority and the contractor.

Sinkages

According to Mr. Orfanoudakis, road asphalting work in Central Corfu has currently exceeded 70%, while the technical works are at lower levels since line markings, guardrail installation, and other tasks are still pending. Meanwhile, on Agoniston Politechniou Street, from the former Aktaion Cafe to the Old Fortress, where asphalt was laid just a few months ago, significant sinkages have occurred at certain points of the road surface, posing risks to drivers. "These may be due to some leakage from the water utility (DEYAK). We will need to intervene at those points to assess the problem. However, it should be done after the tourist season is over," clarified the Deputy Regional Governor.

How work is progressing in North Corfu

In North Corfu, where two projects are being carried out (Improvement of the main road network in North Corfu, €3,837,850, and Improvement of the provincial road network in Northwest Corfu, €4,512,500), the progress of asphalting work does not exceeding 45%-50% (for example, asphalting has been done in the provincial sections of Velonades, Agros, Messaria, and Kastellani). However, the technical works have been executed at a more favuorable rate, reaching 60%. For instance, safety guardrails have been installed in Karousades, pavemens have been constructed in the Betsatika, Sidari area and retaining walls have been built in Peroulades, Avliotes.

Photo: FB Kostas Zorbas

Meanwhile, the legal dispute among the prospective contractors has significantly delayed the contract for the southern part of the island, characterised by serious road network issues, despite the high tourist visitation in the area. The case was adjudicated in the Administrative Court; however, a decision has not yet been issued. The project, which involves the improvement of the main road axis from Corfu to Kavos and the secondary road network in South Corfu, has a budget of €3,003,000.

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI