Safer, smarter and more sustainable tunnels: from Colombia to Greece, VINCI Highways upgrades key infrastructures
Every day, thousands of drivers travel on VINCI Highways’ roads around the world. To make these journeys safer, more comfortable and sustainable, several major tunnels have recently undergone significant modernization works.
In Colombia, the Sumapaz tunnel enters a new era
On the Bogotá-Girardot highway, more than 30,000 vehicles travel daily along one of the country’s most vital routes for commerce, tourism and daily commutes. At the heart of this corridor, the Sumapaz Tunnel is entering a new phase of transformation.
Since October 15, Via Sumapaz, operated by VINCI Highways, has begun replacing its outdated lighting system with 100% LED technology. The new lighting will reduce electricity consumption by 60% to 80%, while providing better visibility and greater road safety for drivers.
Beyond the environmental benefits, such as lower emissions and the elimination of mercury light bulbs, LED technology also improves comfort. The brighter, more uniform lighting reduces flicker and eye fatigue, a key advantage on long, dark stretches.
The modernization work will continue through early December. This project is part of a broader modernization plan, including the implementation of intelligent transportation systems to make the Bogotá-Girardot corridor a benchmark in efficiency, safety and sustainability.
In Greece, the Katerini tunnel sets new safety standards
In Greece, the complete upgrade of the Katerini tunnel, on the the Maliakos-Kleidi highways operated by Agean, marks a technological milestone. Using an innovative construction methodology applied for the first time in the country, the tunnel now meets the highest European safety standards.
At its core, the tunnel is equipped with a new digital control and monitoring system that oversees operations, collects real-time data from over 200,000 points and automatically activates emergency response procedures when needed. The tunnel is remotely managed from the Highway Management Center in Moschochori, 100 kilometers away, as part of an integrated digital system covering all tunnels in the project.
Advanced automatic video incident detection now detect any incident within minimal time, reducing response time and enhancing safety. New LED lighting, upgraded ventilation systems, enhanced safety signage every 25 meters, and a completely renewed electrical and drainage network make the tunnel both safer and more resilient.
Olympia Odos: Greece’s first 100% LED highway
Another landmark achievement in Greece: Olympia Odos has completed the full modernization of its lighting system, becoming the first 100% LED highway in the country. Over 5,000 LED luminaires have been installed on the Athens-Corinth-Patras highway, all connected to a smart control system that manages each fixture individually, optimizing lighting levels, maintenance and energy efficiency.
This upgrade has cut energy consumption by more than 55% while ensuring consistent visibility and safety across all tunnels and covered sections.
In addition, tunnel walls were repainted with an innovative photocatalytic coating, the first large-scale application of its kind in Greece, enhancing light reflection and reducing air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide. More than 125,000 m² were covered with this innovative material.
This initiative forms part of Olympia Odos’ roadmap to decarbonize its operations by 2030, alongside investments in photovoltaic parks and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations along the highway
From Colombia’s Sumapaz Tunnel to Greece’s Katerini and Olympia Odos infrastructures, VINCI Highways continues to put innovation at the service of safety and sustainability. Across continents, these projects reflect one shared ambition: to enhance today’s mobility while building tomorrow’s.
