Integrated Transport Planning within a Framework Cooperation Agreement

Consortis brings extensive experience and specialized expertise in transport planning and urban infrastructure to deliver targeted interventions that support the sustainable transformation of the urban environment and enhance everyday mobility.

This contract focuses on improving traffic and urban conditions in the Kato Toumba area of Thessaloniki, with particular emphasis on the opening and upgrading of Anaximandrou Street. The area is subject to significant traffic pressure, especially during peak hours and in the vicinity of school facilities, highlighting the need for carefully designed transport interventions that address both residents’ mobility needs and the safe access of students to schools.

Through this project, the aim is to enhance road safety, improve accessibility, promote sustainable mobility, and contribute to an overall improvement in infrastructure quality and quality of life in the wider area.

The Challenge

Anaximandrou Street is a critical transport corridor linking Kato Toumba with Eastern Thessaloniki and, via the Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania National Road, with the broader metropolitan area. The recent opening of M. Psellou Street has further increased the strategic importance of Anaximandrou Street; however, the section under study remains unopened.

As a result, traffic is currently diverted through narrow local streets that are unable to accommodate growing mobility demands. This lack of continuity leads to congestion, reduced mobility, and increased safety risks, particularly during peak hours and near school complexes. The inadequate road infrastructure limits safe access for students and residents and weakens connections to key urban road axes.

The Solution

The project provides for the comprehensive redesign and opening of Anaximandrou Street, making full use of the available 25.00 m width between building lines to create clearly defined and functional transport spaces, including:

• School Zone Loop: Safe drop-off and pick-up areas for students, combined with the development of a dedicated bicycle lane.
• Through-Traffic Corridor: Improved traffic flow towards Eastern Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania National Road.
• Two-Way Operation of Verginas Street: Facilitating movement from Pylaia towards M. Psellou Street.
• One-Way Operation of Nikanoros Street: Establishing low-traffic conditions at the entrance of the 25th Kindergarten and the 29th Primary School of Thessaloniki.

Benefits

The implementation of the project is expected to deliver significant short- and long-term benefits, including:

• Enhanced traffic performance and direct connectivity between Charilaou and Eastern Thessaloniki.
• Decongestion of Papanastasiou Avenue and surrounding local streets.
• Improved safety for students and residents through modern, well-designed transport infrastructure.
• Better traffic conditions around school complexes, supported by traffic-calming measures.
• Development of infrastructure that promotes sustainable mobility, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and safe school zones.

Consortis’ approach is rooted in sustainability, safety, and technical excellence—principles that guide every stage of project design and implementation.