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Construction

New Greek Subway Displays Archaeological Finds from Construction

2024-11-26

The yearslong construction of a new subway system in Thessaloniki, Greece, has been a remarkable journey. Since 2003, when the construction of the Agias Sofias metro station began, excavations have led to the discovery of thousands of ancient artifacts. These artifacts, ranging from Roman-era roads and water/drainage systems to Greek burial sites and mosaics, are being incorporated into the design of the 13 underground stations along the 9.6-kilometer line.

Blending Ancient and Modern

Christos Staikouras, the transport and infrastructure minister, emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it offers a remarkable blend of the ancient and modern. By integrating archaeological heritage with metro infrastructure, Thessaloniki is setting a unique example. 1: The discovery of these ancient treasures has not only added to the cultural value of the subway system but has also caused several delays. Over 300,000 archaeological finds have been made, and many of them are now showcased at various stations along the main line. This has required careful preservation and careful planning to ensure that the ancient artifacts are protected while the subway system is being constructed. 2: The cost of the project has also increased due to the discovery of these ancient treasures. However, the value of these artifacts cannot be underestimated. They provide a window into the past and offer a unique experience for passengers as they travel through the subway system.

The Opening of the Agias Sofias Metro Station

The Agias Sofias metro station is set to open to passengers on November 30, 2024. This will be a significant milestone in the history of Thessaloniki's subway system. The station will feature driverless trains and platform screen doors, adding to the modernity of the system. 1: The opening of the Agias Sofias metro station will not only provide a convenient mode of transportation for residents and tourists but will also allow them to appreciate the ancient artifacts up close. The integration of the ancient and modern will be on full display at this station. 2: As the first line of the subway system opens, the second line is also on its way. This will further enhance the transportation network in Thessaloniki and provide more opportunities for people to explore the city and its rich history.

Greece's Archaeological Heritage

Greece is home to some of the world's most important archaeological sites and museums. The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is widely regarded as one of the most important, while Thessaloniki also has its own archaeological sites, such as the Archaeological Museum of Thessalonki and the Polycentric Museum of Aigai. 1: These archaeological sites and museums offer a wealth of knowledge about Greece's past. The discovery of ancient artifacts in Thessaloniki's new subway system adds to this already rich heritage and allows people to connect with the past in a new way. 2: The White Tower, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, and the Agios Dimitrios Church are among the other historical destinations in Thessaloniki. These sites, along with the subway system, form a tapestry of Greece's history and culture.

The Route 40 bus corridor improvement project is making significant progress in Ballard. Currently, work is actively taking place on NW Market St and Leary Ave NW. This extensive project by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is part of the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project and is set to bring numerous benefits.

Key Benefits and Updates

NW Market St between Ballard Ave NW and 22nd Ave NW

The north side of NW Market St has seen the completion of concrete and sidewalk work. On the east side of 22nd Ave NW and NW Market St, sidewalk improvements have also been carried out. Crews are now planning to continue with sidewalk work followed by sidewalk/curb restoration on the west side of 22nd Ave NW. This meticulous work is enhancing the infrastructure and safety of this area.

Leary Ave NW between 20th Ave NW and NW Market St

Near the Olympic Athletic Club, the construction of new large concrete sidewalk extensions is progressing and is expected to continue through November. Pavement milling has been completed, and sidewalk and roadway paving is scheduled for early December. Due to these activities, there will be partial street closures on 20th Ave NW between Leary Ave NW and Ballard Ave NW for the rest of the month. Additionally, a new median island at the midblock crosswalk of 20th Ave NW and Leary Ave NW has been constructed, and another one is expected to be completed by mid-December. It is crucial for pedestrians and drivers to be cautious and pay attention to their surroundings when passing through this intersection.

Leary Ave NW between NW Dock Pl and NW Ione Pl

Crews are on track to finish sidewalk work by early to mid-December on this stretch of Leary Ave NW. Community members will notice larger bus bulbs in both directions. Median islands are also being installed at these bus bulb locations. New bus stop foundations and partial sidewalks have been installed, further improving the transit facilities. Neighbors can expect temporary lane reductions, parking restrictions, sidewalk detours, and temporary driveway impacts in specific areas throughout the Fall. Construction typically occurs on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.

Holman Rd NW (between 3rd Avenue NW and NW 103rd St)

Work on Holman Rd NW has not yet begun. However, once it starts, there will be temporary lane restrictions, and travelers can expect delays. Pedestrians will be detoured to the northwest side of Holman Road NW. SDOT will keep the community updated on the start of construction.

North Aurora

The bus zone improvements on Aurora Ave N and N 105th St/N Northgate Way are expected to be completed by this Fall, bringing much-needed enhancements to this area.

Westlake Ave N

Crews are gearing up to begin prepping for construction on Westlake Ave N near Halladay St. Community members can anticipate seeing construction crews starting as early as mid-December. They will be surveying, trenching, and installing conduit for the new pedestrian crossing. Due to inclement weather, this work was postponed. During construction, there will be parking restrictions, lane reductions, detours, noise, dust, and debris. Halladay St will be closed during construction hours. Construction typically takes place on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.The Route 40 transit project commenced in June 2024, and SDOT aims to finish it by 2026. This comprehensive project is transforming the bus corridor and enhancing the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. (SDOT photo shows crew members performing trenching work with an excavator in Ballard.)

UVALDE COUNTY, Texas - Garner State Park is on the verge of significant alterations that will commence in December. This extensive project aims to enhance the park's facilities and overall visitor experience. The southern section of the park will be closed from December 1st, enabling the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to complete crucial road construction and facility repairs. The anticipated completion date for these works is summer 2025, yet the park will have a limited reopening in March.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

According to Jaime Creacy, the regional director for Texas State Parks, once the construction is finished, visitors are expected to have a much better time when visiting Garner State Park. For instance, one of the key repairs that will be focused on is the scenic overlook on Park Road 29 along the Madrone Trail, which has been closed for an extended period of three years. The reopening of this overlook is highly anticipated as it will allow visitors to once again immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.The closure will affect several areas within the park. Pecan Grove and Oakmont camping loops along with the cabins will be closed. The Pavilion, Park Store, Garner Grill, day-use picnic area, Frio River dam, and Rock beach will also be part of the closure. Additionally, all trails except the Nature Trail and the Frio Canyon Trail will be inaccessible during this time.

Still Open Areas During Construction

Despite the closure, there are still several areas that visitors can enjoy. Over 200 campsites at River Crossing, Shady Meadows, Rio Frio campground, Live Oak, and Persimmon Hill campgrounds will remain open. The Cypress Springs Group area and group hall will also be available for use. Moreover, visitors can explore 3.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, engage in interpretive programming and activities, and visit the playscape and the bird-viewing blind.Garner State Park is located at 234 RR 1050 in Concan, which is about 32 miles north of Uvalde. For more details about the park and the closure, visitors can click here.The park's transformation is a significant step towards providing a more enjoyable and sustainable outdoor experience for visitors. With the completion of these construction projects, Garner State Park is set to become an even more appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.