ATHENS, Greece -- Greece's highest administrative court on Friday ruled in favor of three major 2004 Olympic projects: the main media village, a tram line and a wider route for the marathon race.

The court, known as the council of state, rejected appeals brought by groups of residents in a number of suburbs where the three projects will be constructed.

Residents of Maroussi were trying to stop construction of a village to house about 20,000 media representatives. The village will be built next to the main Olympic Sports complex.

In its decision on the marathon route, the court allowed the government to appropriate land to widen a main road running from the village of Marathon to the city. The marathon race traces the ancient route taken in 490 B.C. by Pheidippides, who ran to Athens and announced the Greek victory over Persian invaders.

The council of state also rejected an appeal by residents along some of Athens' seaside neighborhoods, where the government plans to build a tram line to connect the city center with a main sports facility at the former international airport.

Legal cases brought by local residents opposed to many sports venues or Olympic-related construction works have caused many of the delays in Athens' preparations for the games.