The contract for the construction of the project "Improvement of the 9th National Road (Yalova bypass section, P.E. Messinia)", with a budget of €37.5 million, was signed today at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport by the General Manager of Intrakat Group, Mr. Anastasios Aranitis, after the completion of the relevant tender procedure, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, and the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, responsible for Infrastructure, Nikos Tachiaοs.

Also present were the Member of Parliament of Messinia of the New Democracy, Pericles Mantas and the Regional Governor of the Peloponnese, Dimitris Ptochos.

This is a particularly important project, as it aims to upgrade this section of the road axis "Kyparissia - Filiatra - Pylos" through the improvement of the geometric characteristics, thus offering safety and comfort to users and contributing to the reduction of accidents, but also to the decongestion of the area. In addition, the upgrading and improvement of the road network will improve the accessibility of Messinia and contribute further to its tourist development.

The bypass is part of the 9th National Road, i.e. the road axis starting from Patras and ending in Methoni via Pyrgos and Kyparissia. The project concerns the improvement of a section 3.5 km long of the existing road and the construction of a new section 4.2 km long for the bypass of the settlement of Υalova", the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport said.

The project, which will take 24 months to complete, will reduce journey times and increase road safety levels. As part of the contract, major accompanying works will be constructed, such as level roundabouts, cut & cover, stream bridging works, crossings, electric lighting, etc.

Intrakat has a strong presence in the region, as it participates in the consortium implementing the PPP project for the construction and upgrading of the Southwestern Peloponnese Road Axis (Kalamata - Rizomylos - Pylos - Methoni section), with a budget of €239.2 million (plus VAT).

Below is the full text of the statement of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras:

"Today here, at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the contract is signed with the contractor Intrakat for the project of the Yialova bypass. The project is extremely important for the local community and economy. The bypass is part of the "9th National Road", i.e. the road axis that starts from Patras and, via Pyrgos and Kyparissia, ends in Methoni. The project concerns the improvement of a 3,5 km section of the existing road and the construction of a new 4,2 km section to bypass the settlement of Yalova. The contract also provides for accompanying works, such as level roundabouts, technical works to bridge streams, retaining structures, an overpass on an existing road, electric lighting, storm water drainage, etc. The project has a budget of €37.4 million. It is expected to be completed in 24 months. At the same time, the contract includes an option for additional work, an option that can be exercised within 18 months, including level crossing, side roads, vertical roads, and torrent management. In conclusion, along with large public works, which usually absorb the wider public interest, we are moving on to launch and implement smaller projects, creating modern, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Infrastructure that boosts regional development, creates jobs and stimulates social cohesion".