Today marks the official inauguration of the Amvrakia – Aktio motorway in Greece, a 48.5 km road connecting Aktio (Roman Actium) to the Ionian motorway around Lake Amvrakia. Initiated in March 2010 and co-financed by the Cohesion Fund, the project had a total budget of more than €220 million and marks a transformative step in fostering economic development, tourism growth, and enhancing general road safety across the region.
- 31 January 2024
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: “The inauguration of the Amvrakia-Aktio motorway significantly reduces travel time for Greek citizens and will improve their day-to-day lives with better connectivity and seamless travel. This will improve the overall attractiveness of the region for tourists and is expected to boost economic development. Once again, Cohesion Policy is a tangible way of demonstrating how the EU is prioritising European citizens and benefitting and improving their lives. People are at the heart of the Cohesion Policy funds.”
The motorway design, featuring two lanes of traffic in each direction and a central dividing island, aims to improve accessibility to the Gulf of Amvrakia, the towns of Preveza, Aktio, Vonitsa, and the island of Lefkada. The project also links the Aktio airport to the Ionian motorway, streamlining connectivity in the region.
One of the projects most positive outcomes is the significant reduction in travel time for travellers. With the completion of the motorway, the journey from Athens to Lefkada will now be 45 minutes shorter, allowing travellers to reach the island in just 3 hours and 20 minutes. This not only facilitates easier access for tourists but also paves the way for regional development and will ensure the region overcomes years of isolation.