A3 motorway | |
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Αυτοκινητόδρομος 3 | |
Central Greece Motorway Αυτοκινητόδρομος Κεντρικής Ελλάδας | |
Route information | |
Part of E65 | |
Length | 174 km (108 mi) |
Major junctions | |
North end | A2 near Grevena |
South end | A1 near Lamia |
Location | |
Country | Greece |
Regions | West Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece |
Major cities | Grevena, Kalambaka, Trikala, Karditsa, Lamia |
Highway system | |
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The A3 motorway, also known as the Central Greece motorway (Greek: Αυτοκινητόδρομος Κεντρικής Ελλάδας) or the E65 motorway,[1][2] is a partially completed controlled-access highway in Greece. It will link the A1 near Lamia with the A2 near Grevena, passing Karditsa, Trikala and Kalambaka. It will carry the European route E65.
Upon completion, starting from the plain of Phthiotis near Lamia, it will cross the Othrys mountains, the plains of western Thessaly and the mountains Antichasia, Chasia and Pindos. Its total length will be 174 km.[3] The concession company is Kentriki Odos SA, which is a joint venture of ACS Group, Ferrovial and GEK Terna.[4] Tendering began in May 2005 and ended on 31 May 2007 with the signing of the contract. The commencement of the 30 years concession period started in March 2008.
The middle section between Xyniada and Trikala was inaugurated and opened to traffic on December 22, 2017.[5] In October 2018 the European Commission approved the funding for the construction of the southern section, Xyniada - Lamia.[6]