20 years – of exemplary operation & maintenance ensuring uninterrupted connection 24/7/365 on both sides of the Straits – 20 years of implementing innovative solutions and high technology guided by safety, environmental protection and focusing on the local community and users – 20 years of contribution to the sustainable development of Western Greece and positive mobility
The Rio – Antirrio Bridge completes 20 years of operation and service to its users and local communities this year. For this anniversary, GEFYRA, a concessionaire company of the Rio-Antirios Link, a member of the VINCI Highways Network, one of the largest concessionary highway management companies in the world, held an event in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, and the Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis , who, in greeting, underlined the importance of the project for the development perspective of the wider region. On behalf of the VINCI Concessions Group, it was attended by the Managing Director Nicolas Notebaert and the Managing Director of GEFYRAS Panos Loukas, who referred to the turning points of the last 20 years but also outlined their vision for the future.
The completion of the bridge – in fact seven months earlier than the original schedule – was the result of synergies and cooperation between Greek and international companies, under the supervision of the VINCI Group, with the application of innovative technologies and pioneering technical solutions, in order to face construction difficulties and challenges, such as the great depth of the bottom combined with the loose bedrock, the high seismicity, the tectonic movements and the strong winds blowing in the area.
The Bridge is an emblematic project of infrastructure and technical excellence, setting high standards of operation and maintenance. It is characteristically noted that, since the beginning of its operation, more than 34,000 hours have been devoted to cable inspection. The effective management of the project is a constant challenge that requires the introduction of innovative solutions, high technology, the use of advanced methods with the highest international standards and specialized personnel.
The completion of twenty years of exemplary operation and maintenance of the Rio – Antirio Bridge is an opportunity to remember the conditions that prevailed in the Strait before its implementation. Today 20 years later, it has served more than 77 million vehicles, leaving a strong positive imprint on the economic and social development of the Region and ensuring the continued connection of the Straits.
But with an eye firmly on the future, the BRIDGE, the goals are expanding. A fundamental priority, in the context of VINCI Highways’ environmental initiatives to increase the environmental performance of its network, is the decarbonisation of mobility, aiming at the reduction of direct CO₂ pollutant emissions resulting from its operation, the substantial independence from energy-damaging practices, as well as providing drivers with concrete solutions and innovations to reduce their own carbon footprint.
While placing people at the center of its activity, it offers its users the possibility to choose from a variety of e-pass products specially designed for the needs of various social groups and constantly expanding.
The Rio-Antirio Bridge was commissioned on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the Athens Games in August 2024. To mark this milestone, on April 25, the BRIDGE opened a window into the future, honoring the past, with an anniversary event full of symbolisms and dignitaries that concluded with the welcoming ceremony of the Olympic Flame for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, exactly two decades 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, an iconic project that radically changed the lives of the people of Western Greece. This masterpiece of architecture and innovation, which overcame all technical difficulties, embodies VINCI’s values for high-quality projects in the transport industry and the spirit of our close alliance with Greece. A project for which we have set specific priorities and are following to this day, such as its effective management and maintenance, the development of mobility and the protection of the environment with specific goals and expected performances. It is a great thrill that 20 years after the inauguration on August 12, 2004, on the eve of the opening of the Athens Olympic Games, we are here again for the passage of the Olympic Flame but this time on its way to Paris!”
The Managing Director of GEFYRA Panos Loukas stated “The timeless bonds of friendship, mutual respect and companionship of the Greek and French people are embodied in the joint project of the Rio-Antirio Bridge, with VINCI Highways strengthening its contribution by continuously investing in Greece. During its 20 years of operation, GEFYRA has decisively changed everyday life on both sides of the Straits and managed to be a point of reference at a national and global level in terms of the maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects. At GEFYRA we are committed to continue working with dedication and vision to promote positive mobility, thus contributing to the sustainable economic development of Western Greece, offering our users the best experience and maximum road safety in the context of the continuous strengthening of positive mobility ».
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras emphasized “Starting with the vision of Harilaos Trikoupis, it took years, sacrifices and efforts of successive governments to reach the point where we are today. Progress was not self-evident. Today the Bridge is the natural continuation of a modern network of highways, which unite Western Greece, and adorns the structural wealth of our country, with technical features and an impressive image. It supports regional development, enhances transport safety, and strengthens the image of our country. The image of a Greece that can reach higher travels abroad. A point of reference for modern Greece, an example of effective cooperation between the public and the private sector, for projects that improve the daily life of citizens and enhance the well-being of the residents”.
The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tachiaos said: “As François Mitterrand said, politics is the management of symbols. And the Bridge is a symbol of Greece’s modernization. It has unique manufacturing characteristics, and for its time it was unprecedented. It also symbolizes something else, the confrontation between man and nature. The Bridge also reflects the harmonious collaboration of Greek and French technicians, which he added know-how in our country, and it proved to be important for Greek companies. In the future, to develop new projects with a developmental footprint, adopting such good practices of international collaborations, concessions and the cooperation of the private and public sectors. Future generations will see this magnificent jewel and be grateful to the generations who worked to create the Bridge.”
For her part, Mrs. Alexopoulou stated: “I had the privilege of working as an engineer on this project, and I feel proud and blessed to have had that once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the time, it was not visible to many that this was the first piece of a puzzle that would change transportation in our country, improving road safety. The Bridge made life easier for the residents, contributed to the development of the economy and today it 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 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 a project that will always be illuminated by the flame of Olympism and will illuminate the ability of man to open new paths towards the future”.
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