Central Athens is facing dynamic road closures and severe traffic delays today as authorities mount a massive security operation for the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The restrictions, which began on Tuesday evening and will remain in place until Thursday morning, involve more than 3,000 police officers, drone surveillance and snipers.
Drivers are experiencing significant gridlock this morning, with delays stretching from Piraeus and Chaidari to Nea Erythraia and Elliniko. Attiki Odos reported waits of more than 30 minutes towards the airport between Fylis and Kifisias, and delays of up to 20 minutes at the Lamia exit. On the route towards Elefsina, drivers face delays of five to 10 minutes at the Lamia exit and 10 to 15 minutes on the Ymittos Ring between Plakentias and Kifisias.
Police have not announced a fixed schedule for road closures, opting instead to shut streets dynamically as the American motorcade moves through the city. Major avenues including Vasilissis Sofias, Vasileos Konstantinou, Vasilissis Amalias, Panepistimiou and Stadiou, as well as the streets around Syntagma Square, are the focus of the disruption.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid driving in the center and use public transport, though bus and trolley routes face detours. Metro stations may also be closed temporarily on police orders, with trains passing through without stopping. Passengers were also warned of already scheduled night restrictions on Line 3 due to construction works.
Security zone and protest ban
Public gatherings and motorized marches have been banned in a cordoned-off zone until 6 a.m. on Thursday. Police cited risks to public safety and potential disruption to socioeconomic life in the area.
Heavy security has been placed around the Foreign Ministry, the US Embassy and the Maximos Mansion, the official seat of the Greek prime minister.
Snipers are expected to be deployed at selected high points around the Pnyx, the historic hill that hosted the assemblies of ancient democratic Athens, where Rubio is scheduled to give a speech.
Official meetings
Rubio is in the Greek capital to meet Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and participate in the sixth round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue.
The secretary of state will conclude his day with a 7 p.m. meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
