Today, at an important moment for the local community of Chaniathe inauguration of the new bridge of the river Keritis in the Municipality of Platanias took place. The project, which is coming to restore the 2019 bad weather, was surrendered, enhancing the safety and flow of traffic in the region.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos, Secretary General Dimitris Anagnostopoulos, Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, Mayor Platanias Yiannis Malandrakis Bakoyannis and Alexandros Markogiannakis.
Dimas: Safe and durable infrastructure across the country
Minister Christos Dimas stressed that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is planning projects aimed at security and service of citizens across the country. He referred to the new 85.1 -meter -long bridge and a budget of € 6.7 million, as a project that restores the road network from Chania to Omalos and serves the settlement of Alkianou. In addition, he emphasized the importance of the junction set up before the bridge, as well as accompanying rehabilitation projects, such as settling of the riverbank, hydraulic embankments, counterclaims and electricity, composing a integrated work.
Mr Dimas welcomed the cooperation of all stakeholders, describing it as an example of success. “The bridge is welcome and you know that the goal of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is to have Sustainable, durable and safe infrastructure across the country, “he said.
Particular reference was made to the old, stone bridge of Keriti, a historical monument that suffered serious damage in 2019. Minister Dimas confirmed that there are already preliminary design for its restoration, while the Ministry is in the design of the studies, recognizing its importance for the history of the place.
Arnaoutakis: important work for the wider area
Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis expressed his satisfaction with the completion and delivery of the project in a short period of time, describing it “Claim of local actors and region” He remembered the collapse of the historic stone bridge, which was over 100 years old, in 2019 and stressed the region’s commitment to its restoration. Mr. Arnaoutakis emphasized the need for important infrastructure projects throughout Crete, with a focus on road safety, until the completion of the north road, which would reduce distances.
Malandrakis: Historical moment for the Municipality of Platanias
Platanias Mayor, Yiannis Malandrakis, spoke of “historical moment»For his municipality. The new bridge, he said, is not only about Platanias, but the whole of Crete, as it joins the south coast of Chania, offering safe access. He referred to the disasters of 2019, when six bridges collapsed in the area, and the immediate demand for a new bridge, beyond the restoration of historic.
Mr. Malandrakis praised the cooperation Between the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Region of Crete and the Municipality of Platanias, as well as the contribution of the citizens who gave land to the implementation of the project. He stressed that the project was completed without delay and is an example of good practice. It also reiterated the commitment to the restoration of the historic stone bridge, an estimated budget of € 13 million, expressing the belief that the relevant signature will be given soon.