Chania: BOAK lane closes at the Mournies junction

Traffic regulations on the Northern Road Axis of Crete, near Chania, take effect from Tuesday 25 August 2026, under a decision by the Chania Police Directorate, due to works being carried out. The regulations concern the section from kilometre point 00+970, at the Mournies junction, to kilometre point 02+030, just before the Vamvakopoulo junction, where a narrowing of traffic lanes is planned. During this period, traffic in both directions is diverted onto the southern branch, meaning the flow from Kissamos towards Chania, while the branch from Chania towards Kissamos is closed along the whole length where the works are carried out.

The decision also includes specific bans on the branches of the Mournies junction. Entry to the BOAK from the Mournies uphill branch heading from Chania towards Kissamos is banned, as is the exit onto the Mournies downhill branch for those travelling on the flow from Rethymno towards Chania. By contrast, the downhill branch serving the direction from Kissamos towards Chania remains in operation, as does entry to the axis from Mournies towards Chania and Rethymno. All emergency vehicles are exempt from the restrictions, while the works contractor is required to keep a lane clear for them to pass.

In practice, at this point the BOAK will operate with a single branch serving both directions and with reduced lane width, which changes the way drivers enter and exit the axis west of Chania. The measure adds to a series of interventions and incidents that have affected the axis recently, from the restriction on pedestrian movement for Agios Fanourios to the motorcycle accident at the Mochos junction. The announcement does not say exactly what work is being carried out on this section nor who the contractor is.

An end date for the regulations has not been announced, meaning drivers should consider the measure active until a further announcement from the Chania Police Directorate. It has also not been disclosed whether night closures are planned or whether the works will extend to neighbouring sections of the axis. The timing matters, as the same days coincide with the traffic regulations in force on the Chania–Rethymno Old National Road for the celebration of Agios Fanourios on 26 and 27 August 2026, meaning two different routes between the two cities are affected at the same time. The announcement does not include an estimate for when the works will be completed, nor does it suggest specific alternative routes, and it does not clarify whether urban bus services passing through this section are affected.