This axis is the end of Paneuropean Corridor ΙV (Berlin – Prague – Budapest – Sofia – Greek-Bulgarian borders) and the main connection of the Greek road network with Bulgaria. The completion of the axis from Thessaloniki to Sofia is a priority project both on national and European level. It is designed and constructed as four- lane carriageway with two traffic lanes and a hard shoulder per direction.

The axis has a total length of 96 km.  To date, 65 km have been opened to traffic.  The remaining 31 km are under construction.