Greece: Construction of Thessaloniki Metro Complete

Webuild and Elliniko Metro have announced that construction is complete on Thessaloniki’s new metro line, set to open on 30 November.

This 10-kilometre automated underground line will serve 13 stations.

Built through densely populated areas, the project involved extensive archaeological work, uncovering Thessaloniki’s historical layers. This included the ancient Roman road, Decumanus Maximus, which will be displayed in a unique station museum.

The metro construction was carried out at an average depth of 20 meters using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). This process was complex due to urban density and archaeological considerations. For example, Demokratias Station was repositioned to preserve Byzantine-era artefacts.

The extensive excavation, spanning 30,000 square meters integrates significant finds like marble slabs and other relics into station designs.

Once operational, the metro will serve around 315,000 passengers daily, reducing road traffic by approximately 60,000 vehicles and preventing 77,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.