A number of private parties have submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Northern Road Axis of Crete motorway projects. The Northern Road Axis is a planned 200km highway that will run along the north coast of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It will link four major port cities and two airports.

The Greek government is constructing the motorway in three segments. The largest 140km section from Chania to Heraklion is to be developed through a concession. Five EOIs have been received from Aktor Concessions, TERNA, J&P Avax, VINCI and a consortium of Acciona and Mytilineos Holdings.

Another 26km segment linking Hersonissos to Neapolis is to be developed through a public-private partnership. Aktor Concessions, TERNA and J&P Avax have also submitted EOIs for the PPP, alongside Shikun & Binui. Acciona  and Mytilineos Holdings are also interested in this segment, participating in consortium with Intertoll.

The remaining section of the motorway (Neapolis-Agios Nikolaos, 14km) is currently planned to be constructed under a public contract. However, the Chania-Heraklion RFEOI included an option to be further specified in the proposal phase of the tender process to design, construct, finance, operate, maintain and exploit the other sections.

It is not known when subsequent phases of the tender processes for either the concession or PPP will be launched. The government is currently procuring financial consultants to assist in the tenders. Applications are due by 21 November 2018, indicating that subsequent tender phases may be launched before the end of the year.