Road traffic: Improved situation on the Kefisu downhill after 14 km of traffic jam

The morning of Tuesday, June 29, 2026, saw significant traffic disruptions across Athens as a combination of road accidents and vehicle breakdowns caused delays on several major highways and arterial roads. The most severe congestion was recorded along the descent of Kifisos towards Piraeus, where drivers encountered difficulties over a distance of approximately 14 kilometers. This stretch of road, which runs from the height of the Metamorphosis Bridge down to its intersection with the coastal road, became heavily congested due to a traffic accident that had occurred earlier in the day near the junction of Kifisos and the coastal road. By around 9:30 AM, conditions had improved somewhat, though traffic remained slow-moving in parts of the area.

In addition to the congestion on Kifisos, other roads experienced varying degrees of disruption. The Lefkada Road, leading from Athens toward Aspropyrgos, also faced challenges, with vehicles moving at reduced speeds between the University of Western Attica and Lake Kourouni. Similarly, entry into Athens via the coastal road near Lake Kourouni was affected when a heavy vehicle came to a stop, causing further delays. The flow of traffic on the axis connecting Ardettou, Vasilis Konstantinos, Vasilissas Sofias, and Kifisia was increased, while the Attiki Odos, the main highway linking Athens with the airport, experienced delays exceeding 30 minutes from Phylai to Kifisia. Smaller delays were noted on other routes, including exits to Lamia and towards Eleusis.

The situation on the roads was compounded by the impact of previous incidents that had taken place during the preceding days. On June 28, reports indicated that there had been multiple traffic-related incidents, some of which resulted in vehicles being immobilized. These included a collision on the coastal road near Kifisos, which led to the initial blockage that continued to affect traffic flow on the following day. Additionally, there were reports of a vehicle stopping on the road near the village of Chaidari, contributing to the congestion in the area of Lake Kourouni.

Local authorities and traffic management services monitored the situation closely throughout the early hours of Tuesday, providing updates on the progress of clearing the blocked areas. Despite efforts to restore normal traffic flow, the effects of these incidents persisted, affecting both local commuters and long-distance travelers. The use of live traffic monitoring systems allowed for real-time updates, helping drivers adjust their travel plans accordingly.

As the day progressed, the situation began to stabilize, with the majority of the affected roads showing signs of improvement. However, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of the city's transportation network to sudden disruptions, underscoring the need for enhanced emergency response strategies and better coordination among traffic control centers. The incident also served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe driving practices, especially during peak commuting times.