A new northern bypass road will be built around Limassol, as part of a wider effort to ease congestion in Cyprus’ second city, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced on Friday.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- A new northern bypass road will be built around Limassol, as part of a wider effort to ease congestion in Cyprus’ second city, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced on Friday.
The road is part of a comprehensive plan aimed at creating alternative routes, improving traffic distribution, and providing substantial relief in areas where congestion has become a pressing issue. The ministry highlighted the northern bypass as the most significant project within this initiative, designed to channel traffic outside the densely built urban fabric of Limassol.
The construction of the bypass will happen in five phases, connecting the city’s east and west ends. This route will allow motorists to circumvent the existing motorway, which often sees heavy traffic within the city’s suburbs.
Beyond the northern bypass, the plan includes the development of a new motorway heading north towards the Saittas reservoir, close to the village of Moniatis, and further into the Troodos mountains. Additionally, suburban roads in areas plagued by high traffic levels will be improved, including a link road between Ypsonas and Polemidia.
The transport ministry stated that these projects are designed to enhance connectivity between various districts, bolster alternative routes, and alleviate congestion along the city’s main thoroughfares. Furthermore, the initiative will incorporate the installation of smart traffic lights at 50 new locations across Limassol, facilitating better traffic management by adapting to real-time conditions.
According to reports from Philelftheros, the entire plan is projected to cost taxpayers €493 million, with the northern bypass alone estimated at €182.5 million. At the presentation of the plans, Vafeades remarked, “For the first time, we have before us a comprehensive mapping of the needs and projects required for Limassol.”
He further expressed the importance of collaborating with local authorities to establish priorities and coordinate subsequent steps. Vafeades stressed the necessity of pursuing immediate interventions that could provide relief to traffic congestion alongside the larger projects that will ultimately complete the city’s road network.
The northern bypass is being prioritised as a central aspect of this ambitious plan, marking a significant step towards enhancing the infrastructure of Limassol and improving the daily commute for its residents.
