Drivers traveling to northern Greece this weekend are expected to face significant traffic disruptions after authorities announced the temporary closure of a major section of Thessaloniki’s eastern inner ring road.
The affected section of the bypass will be completely closed to traffic in both directions from Friday, July 3, at 11:00 p.m. until Saturday, July 4, at the same time, as part of scheduled infrastructure works.
During the 24-hour closure, all vehicles will be diverted through Thessaloniki’s city center, raising concerns over severe congestion and extended travel times.
According to local authorities, motorists traveling toward Kavala and Katerini will be redirected through alternative urban routes. The same traffic arrangements will apply to vehicles heading toward Halkidiki and Thessaloniki International Airport.
Officials have advised drivers to plan their journeys in advance, allow for additional travel time and consider alternative routes where possible.
The temporary closure comes during the peak summer travel season, when thousands of tourists from across the Balkans travel through Thessaloniki en route to popular holiday destinations along the Greek coast.
Traffic authorities expect the heaviest congestion to occur during the daytime hours on Saturday, particularly on routes connecting the city center with eastern Thessaloniki and the Chalkidiki peninsula.