Heavy rain triggers 200-metre landslide on Ionian Motorway

A major landslide forced the full closure of the Ionian Motorway in western Greece on Monday after a large section of a cut slope collapsed, depositing soil and rock across both carriageways. The failure occurred at approximately the 127th kilometre of the A5 corridor, between the Kompoti interchange and the Menidi toll plaza. Large volumes of debris buried both lanes, prompting authorities to immediately suspend traffic in both directions and activate diversion plans.

According to official reports and footage, the landslide extended over a slope length of approximately 200 metres. Witness accounts indicated that the slope remained active for several hours after the initial failure, with material continuing to spill over guardrails and safety barriers onto the roadway.

Heavy and persistent rainfall in the days preceding the incident is believed to have saturated the ground, significantly reducing slope stability. The failure tore through installed protective netting and fencing before reaching the motorway, highlighting the severity of the movement and the limitations of the existing mitigation measures under extreme conditions.

Traffic was diverted via the Kompoti and Amfilochia interchanges, with vehicles redirected onto the old national road network. Drivers already within the affected section were instructed to turn back under police supervision. Temporary traffic regulations were introduced to allow emergency works and initial stabilisation measures to proceed safely. Authorities confirmed that similar cut slopes exist along other sections of the Ionian Motorway, prompting wider concern regarding slope performance under prolonged rainfall. As a result, inspections of adjacent slopes have been initiated as a precautionary measure.

Meteorological services have warned of further rainfall systems affecting western Greece later in the week, raising concerns over additional instability in already saturated ground. The motorway operator has urged drivers to follow all temporary signage and remain vigilant while restoration works continue.

The Ionian Motorway remains closed at the affected section pending debris removal, detailed geotechnical assessment, and confirmation that the slope can be stabilised safely before reopening to traffic.