Financing, Operation, Maintenance And Exploitation Of The Egnatia Odos Motorway And Three Vertical Road Axes

The EGNATIA ODOS 35 years Concession agreement includes the Egnatia Odos (A2) main motorway axis with a total length of 658km and the three vertical highway axis A29, A1 and A25 with a combined motorway length of 226km. 
The 5yrs Imminent Works Period (design, construction and heavy maintenance works) of the Contract includes the following scope:

Imminent Works

  • Upgrading (D&B) 45km of vertical axis A1
  • Upgrading (D&B) 11km of vertical axis A25
  • D&B Parking and Rest Areas along the main motorway (18 locations)
  • D&B Motorists Service Stations (16 pre-defined locations)
  • Upgrading works in Tunnels (L>500m) to be given Category A and considered low risk i.e. no restrictions when transporting dangerous goods through them.
  • Replacement of 100km of vehicle restraint systems along the motorways compliant with EN1317
  • D&B Platanos Toll Station 
  • Hybrid Toll System
  • Rehabilitation/Retrofitting Works:
  • Bridge (complete/partial replacement)
  • Replacement of VRS on structures compliant with EN1317
  • Embankment(Γ4)/Tunnel(Σ3) stabilization works.

Other Works

  • Replacement of vehicle restraint systems along the motorways compliant with EN1317
  • D&B Emergency Services Installations (Fire Brigade & Traffic Police)
  • Vertical Signage Replacement to meet OMOE KΣΑ 2010 requirements.
  • Asset Management System
  • Inspection-Maintenance & Operation Manuals

Heavy Maintenance Works

  • Pavement
  • Structures
  • MEP installations

Summary of the Role of the Independent Engineer in the Concession Agreement

Core Responsibilities

  • Supervision of Works: Oversees design, construction, and completion of the Imminent Works, and monitors adherence to technical specifications and time schedules.
  • Review and Certification: Reviews and approves all designs, including quality, asset and maintenance manuals. Issues design approval certificates, works completion certificates, and certify payment requests.
  • Quality and Compliance Control: Validates conformity with international standards (e.g. ISO, AASHTO, EU Directives). Evaluates systems like Asset Management and Hybrid Tolling.
  • Workplace and Public Safety: Ensures that the Concessionaire effectively manages risks to both workers and the public. The IE confirms that emergency and routine safety measures are in place and functional.
  • Dispute Resolution Support: Provides binding technical determinations, unless overturned by a designated Dispute Committee.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Delivers periodic monitoring reports, verifies input-output schedules, and tracks corrective actions.

Key Interfaces

Party

Interaction with Independent Engineer

Concessionaire

Submits all technical designs, implementation schedules, and system documentation to the IE for approval. Must comply with IE instructions and certifications.

D&B Contractor

The IE conducts joint site inspections with the Concessionaire, the Public Authority, and the Contractor for the issuance of the Certificate of Completion of Permanent Works. The IE must confirm whether the Permanent Works are completed and safe for operation. The IE monitors work quality, timelines, and compliance. This includes feedback and corrective instructions to the contractor via the Concessionaire.

State (Public Authority)

Receives reports, certifications, and status updates from the IE. May consult the IE in case of disputes or delays.

Grantor (HRADF)

Collaborates with the IE on enforcement of the concession terms and monitors project milestones.

Technical Dispute Resolution Committee

Can review and overturn IE decisions if formally challenged.

Lenders

Financial stakeholders; rely on IE’s outputs.



Independent Engineer – Duties & Obligations

Area

Duties & Obligations

Supervision of Works

Supervises all Imminent & Other Works and the entire construction during the Imminent Works Period.

Design Review

Review and approve all required Designs for compliance to Contract Requirements.

Compliance Checks

Inspects whether Studies meet the Study Requirements and orders supplementary studies if needed.

Testing Oversight

Approves site investigation and testing programs and ensures their compliance with Contract requirements.

Quality Assurance

Approves QA/QC manuals (e.g., ISO 9001:2015), mandates improvements, and monitors implementation. Assesses whether construction materials and workmanship comply with specifications and ensures all necessary corrective measures are taken.

Schedule Management

Reviews and approves the program of works and the associated input-output schedules.

Monitoring Adherence

Ensures compliance with the approved program during the Imminent Works Period.

Manual Review

Reviews Operation and Inspection-Maintenance Manuals and provides binding decisions.

Coordination

Coordinates with the State to ensure design and construction works comply with specifications.

Workplace and Public Safety

Ensures that the Concessionaire effectively manages risks to both workers and the public. The IE confirms that emergency and routine safety measures are in place and functional.

Asset Management System

Review and approve the Asset Management System submitted by the Concessionaire.

Standards Compliance: Ensure the system aligns with the best practices such as the AASHTO Transportation Asset Management Guide or equivalent.

Functionality Check: Confirm the system is a modern, operational tool including documentation, installation data, and software-based management.

Comprehensive Coverage: Verify inclusion of all major infrastructure components (pavements, bridges, tunnels, road equipment, etc.).

Hybrid Toll System

Infrastructure Supervision: Oversees physical works related to toll gantries, booths, communication systems, and roadworks.

Compliance Oversight: Ensures systems comply with European standards (e.g. 5.8 GHz electronic tolling) and Directive 2004/52/EC.

Monitoring Implementation: Verifies timely and correct implementation of toll systems during the 24-month installation window.

System Certification: Issues relevant certificates of completion or readiness for the toll system to become operational.

Final & Interim Certification

Issues Final and Interim Certificates of Completion for Imminent Works and Other/Local Works.

Dispute Authority

Makes binding decisions unless overruled by the Technical Dispute Resolution Committee.