The Rio – Antirio Bridge celebrates its 20th “birthday” this year (pics)

This year, the Rio – Antirio Bridge completes 20 years of operation and service to its users and to the local communities.

For this anniversary, GEFYRA, a concessionaire company of the Rio-Antirios Link, a member of the VINCI Highways Network, 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 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 – indeed 7 months earlier than the original schedule – was the result of synergies and cooperation of 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, they have been dedicated more than 34,000 hours for 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 20 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.

The statements

VINCI Concessions CEO Nicolas Notebaert said: “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 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 opening of the 12^her August 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, said “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, the BRIDGE decisively changed everyday life on both sides of the Straits and managed to is 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, Nikos Tachiaos, said: “As François Mitterrand had 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 cooperation of Greek and French technicians, which added know-how to our country, and proved to be important for Greek companies. In the future, to also develop new projects with a developmental footprint, adopting such good practices of international collaborations, concessions and private-public cooperation. Future generations will see this magnificent jewel and be grateful to the generations who worked to create the Bridge.”

For her part, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Christina Alexopoulou, said: “I had the privilege of working as an engineer on this project, and I feel proud but also blessed to have lived that unique experience. At the time, it was not visible to many that it was about the first piece of a puzzle that would change transportation in our country, upgrading 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”.

Regional Governor Nektarios 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”.