Türkiye and Greece are moving closer to launching construction of a long-planned four-lane “Friendship Bridge” over the Meriç River, a project aimed at easing congestion at one of the region’s busiest border crossings, Hürriyet Daily News reported.
Greek authorities said feasibility and design studies for the bridge have been completed, with final plans and a 3D model published showing the structure is expected to be completed around 2027. The design package has been formally submitted to Ankara.
The project was developed by Greece’s state infrastructure company Egnatia Odos in cooperation with Turkish partners. Egnatia Odos chief executive Konstantinos Koutsoukos said preparations for the bridge began in 2006 but accelerated significantly in recent years.
“After a very intensive phase over the last four years, and following a period of tension between the two countries, we are pleased to announce that we have submitted the final study and design for the new bridge in Kipi,” Koutsoukos said, referring to the Greek village hosting a key motorway border crossing with Türkiye.
The bridge will span about 400 metres across the Meriç River and feature a cable-supported design with a total width exceeding 30 metres. With two lanes in each direction, it is intended to relieve pressure on the existing crossing and improve the flow of passenger and freight traffic.
Officials say the project will serve as a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia and mark a new phase in cross-border transport links between the two neighbours.
Under a bilateral agreement, both sides are expected to finalise their respective tender documents in the coming months. Once construction begins, the transport ministries of Türkiye and Greece will establish a joint inspection and oversight team.
The project includes the main bridge and two smaller auxiliary bridges. On the Greek side, it will connect to the Egnatia–Thessaloniki–Kipi motorway, while on the Turkish side it will link to the İpsala–Istanbul route near Edirne.
When completed, the new structure will become the second bridge linking Greece and Türkiye, alongside the existing crossing, Hürriyet Daily News said.