20 years – exemplary operation & maintenance ensuring uninterrupted
connection 24/7/365 on both sides of the Strait.
20 years of implementing innovative solutions and high technology guided by safety,
protecting the environment and focusing on the local community and users.
20 years of contribution to the sustainable development of Western Greece and the positive
motility
The Rio – Antirrio Bridge completes 20 years of operation and service to users this year
of and in the local communities. For this anniversary, GEFYRA, its concessionaire company
Rio-Antiriou Link, member of the VINCI Highways Network, one of the largest companies
management of concession highways worldwide, held a presence event
of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras and the Western Regional Governor
of Greece Nektarios Farmakis, who, in greeting, underlined the importance of the project for the
development perspective of the wider region. On the part of the VINCI Concessions Group, the
CEO Nicolas Notebaert and the CEO of GEFYRA were present
Panos Loukas, who mentioned the turning points of the last 20 years and also
they outlined their vision for the future.
Completion of the bridge – in fact seven months ahead of schedule – was
result of synergies and cooperation of Greek and international companies, under his supervision
VINCI Group, with the application of innovative technologies and pioneering technical solutions,
in order to meet construction difficulties and challenges such as great depth
of the bottom in combination with the loose background, high seismicity, tectonic movements
and the strong winds blowing in the area.
The Bridge is an emblematic project of infrastructure and technical excellence, setting high standards
operation and maintenance. It is characteristically noted that, since the beginning of its operation,
more than 34,000 hours have been spent on cable inspection. The effective
project management is a constant challenge that requires the introduction of innovative solutions,
high technology, use of advanced methods with the highest international standards and
specialized staff.
The completion of twenty years of exemplary operation and maintenance of the Rio Bridge –
Antirrio, is an opportunity to remember the conditions that prevailed in the Strait before the
its implementation. Today 20 years later, it has served more than 77 million vehicles, leaving
strong positive imprint on the economic and social development of the Region and
ensuring the continuous connection of the Strait.
But with an eye firmly on the future, the BRIDGE, the goals are expanding. Fundamental
priority, in the context of VINCI Highways’ environmental initiatives to increase
of the environmental performance of its network is the decarbonisation of mobility,
aiming at the reduction of direct CO₂ emissions from its operation,
the substantial de-addiction of energy-damaging practices, as well as the provision of specific
solutions and innovations to drivers to reduce their own carbon footprint.
While placing the human at the center of its activity, it offers the possibility
to its users to choose from a variety specially designed for the needs of various
social groups and ever-expanding e-pass products.
The Rio-Antirio Bridge was commissioned on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the Games
of Athens in August 2024. On the occasion of this milestone, on April 25, GEFYRA
opened a window into the future, honoring the past, with an anniversary event packed
symbolisms and dignitaries which concluded with its reception ceremony
Olympic Flame for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, two decades
right after the Athens Olympics.
VINCI Concessions CEO Nicolas Notebaert pointed out: “Today, with
emotion, we are here to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rio-Antirio Bridge, a
emblematic project that radically changed the lives of the residents of Western Greece. This
a masterpiece of architecture and innovation, which overcame all technical difficulties, embodies
VINCI’s values for high-quality projects in the transport industry but also the spirit
of our close alliance with Greece. A project for which we have set specifics
priorities and we follow to this day, such as effective management and maintenance
of, the development of mobility and the protection of the environment with specific objectives
and expected performance. It is a great thrill that 20 years after the opening of the 12th
August 2004, on the eve of the opening of the Olympic Games in Athens, here we are again
here again for the passing of the Olympic Flame but this time on its way to the
Paris!”
The Managing Director of GEFYRA Panos Loukas stated “The timeless bonds of friendship,
of mutual respect and cooperation of the Greek and French people, are embodied in the public
Rio-Antirio Bridge project, with VINCI Highways strengthening its contribution,
constantly investing in Greece. During its 20 years of operation, GEFYRA has changed decisively
everyday life on both sides of the Straits and managed to be a point of reference in
national and global level in terms of the maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects. At
GEFYRA is committed to continue working with dedication and vision to promote it
positive mobility, thereby contributing to its sustainable economic development
of Western Greece, offering our users the best experience and maximum traffic
security in the context of the continuous strengthening of positive mobility”.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras emphasized “Based on the vision of
Harilaou Trikoupi, it took years, sacrifices and efforts of successive governments to
get to where we are today. Progress was not self-evident. Today the
Bridge is the natural continuation of a modern network of highways, which unite the
Western Greece, and adorns the structural wealth of our country, with technical characteristics and
impressive image. It supports regional development, enhances transport safety,
and strengthens the image of our country. The image of a Greece that travels abroad
can reach higher. A reference point of modern Greece, an example of it
of effective collaboration between the public and the private sector, for projects that improve the
everyday life of the citizens and enhance the well-being of the residents”.
The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tachiaos said: “As the
Francois Mitterrand, politics is the management of symbols. And the Bridge is a symbol
modernization of Greece. It has unique manufacturing characteristics, and for its time
was unprecedented. It also symbolizes something else, the confrontation between man and nature. THE
Gefyra also captures the harmonious collaboration of Greek and French technicians, which he added
PRESS OFFICE
Tel. 2634039036
[email protected]
know-how in our country, and it proved to be important for Greek companies. In the future, yes
and develop new projects with a developmental footprint, adopting such good international practices
partnerships, concessions and the cooperation of the private and public sectors. The next ones
generations, will see this magnificent jewel and be grateful to the generations who worked to
the Bridge was created”.
For her part, Mrs. Alexopoulou stated: “I had the privilege of working as an engineer in
this project, and I feel proud as well as blessed to have lived that unique
experience. At the time, it was not visible to many that this was the first piece of a puzzle that would
was changing transport in our country, improving road safety. The Bridge made it easy
life of the inhabitants, contributed to the development of the economy and today also contributes to the reduction
of the environmental footprint”.
The District Governor Mr. Nektaripos Farmakis: “Time is measured in cycles. The Olympic
flame, born in Ancient Olympia, reaches through the Bridge to France and the
Paris. With the Olympic rings symbolizing the power of unity and brotherhood.
A bridge that made the vision of Harilaos Trikoupis come true. Let’s continue to brag
a work which will always be illuminated by the flame of Olympism and illuminate skill
of man to open new paths towards the future”.
About the Rio-Antirio Bridge
The Rio-Antirrio Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world, connects the Peloponnese to the mainland
Greece, above the Gulf of Corinth. This unique critical infrastructure delivered to traffic in 2004,
designed, financed, built, operated and maintained through a concession contract expiring in 2039 by
the concessionaire company GEFYRA, a subsidiary of VINCI Highways. Providing a high level of service to drivers 24/7,
GEFYRA implements optimal safety standards, and the highest technical and environmental specifications. The Rio Antirio Bridge, as the main connection between the two sides of the Strait, serves more than 4.5 million vehicles annually,
contributing to the economic and social development of Western Greece.
About VINCI Highways
VINCI Highways, a subsidiary of VINCI Concessions, is a company with a leading position in concessions, operation and services
road mobility. VINCI Highways designs, finances, builds and operates motorways, urban roads
networks, bridges, tunnels and digital mobility support services in a network exceeding 3,000 km in 14
Countries. VINCI Highways utilizes its know-how, guaranteeing higher standards of efficiency and safety,
in order to ensure a positive experience for its network users.
For more information:
https://www.vinci-concessions.com/en/vinci-highways
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinci-highways/
@VINCIConcess
