Greece is embarking on a major national project to convert more than 250 bridges across all 13 regions into “smart” structures using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
This initiative aims to address widespread structural risks and prevent collapses by enabling real-time monitoring of the country’s aging infrastructure.
Real-time monitoring and data analysis of the bridges
The core of the project involves installing fiber-optic networks and multiple sensors (including vibrographs, strain sensors, and water-level detectors) on each bridge. These systems will continuously transmit data on key structural indicators—such as vibrations, strain, water levels, and movement—to scientists.
The data is analyzed using AI and algorithms to detect wear, stress, and early signs of structural degradation.
This shift from endless manual inspections to continuous, technology-based analysis will enable targeted maintenance and dramatically improve safety, preventing potential structural failures.
Prioritizing high-risk infrastructure
The project is scheduled for completion by June 2026 and prioritizes critical, high-risk bridges:
- Ageing Structures: Many target bridges are over 70 years old and lack adequate seismic design, particularly those built before 1993, which have exceeded their expected service life, according to the Association of Civil Engineers of Greece.
- Heavy Traffic: High-volume routes, such as Kifisos Avenue (which sees up to 8,000 vehicles per hour in some lanes), are under particular strain.
- Initial Focus: The first 36 bridges to be upgraded are in the Attica region, including major arteries like Kifisos and Poseidonos Avenues.
This initiative follows a series of recent bridge collapses in Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Patras, marking a crucial step forward in safeguarding Greece’s infrastructure and public safety.
Related: A Journey Through Time: The Stone Bridges of Meteora in Greece
