**Traffic Disruption Hits Central Nicosia as Roadworks Close Key Routes**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Central Nicosia is experiencing severe traffic congestion as roadworks on Kritis Street and Philippiados Street continue to disrupt travel and access for motorists and local businesses. The closures, which have been in effect since last Friday, are part of an infrastructure upgrade program initiated by the Nicosia municipality.
The roadworks have been particularly impactful as Kritis Street had recently become a popular alternative route for drivers navigating the city center, especially following traffic changes on the heavily trafficked Makarios Avenue. With Kritis Street now closed, motorists have faced significant delays, resulting in lengthy queues and increased frustration. Traffic has been diverted onto narrower connecting roads, exacerbating congestion in the area.
Local businesses have reported a noticeable decline in customer access and commercial activity during this critical summer trading period. Business owners expressed concerns about the impact of the road closures on their operations, as customers find it increasingly difficult to reach their establishments. Additionally, residents have encountered challenges accessing their properties and locating available parking spaces due to the altered traffic patterns.
The congestion has been further intensified by the inability of drivers to continue directly through Makarios Avenue, which has led to a higher volume of traffic being funneled onto adjacent streets. This surge in traffic has created bottlenecks across the road network, complicating the situation for both commuters and local residents.
In response to the disruptions, municipal authorities have recommended alternative routes for motorists. Kypranoros Street, which recently reopened to traffic, and Androkleous Street have been designated as detours to help alleviate some of the pressure on the affected sections of the city. However, the effectiveness of these measures in fully mitigating the traffic issues remains to be seen.
The ongoing roadworks are part of a broader initiative aimed at upgrading Nicosia’s road network, funded through the European Union’s recovery and resilience plan. The construction is being carried out by Cyfield, a company tasked with implementing the infrastructure improvements. The current timetable anticipates that work on Kritis Street and Philippiados Street will be completed by August 11.
The project includes a variety of enhancements, such as pavement upgrades, improvements to accessibility and road safety, and the addition of new parking spaces. These upgrades are expected to contribute to a more efficient and safer road network in the long term, despite the immediate inconveniences faced by drivers and local businesses during the construction period.
As the roadworks continue, both motorists and residents of Nicosia are urged to remain patient and to utilize the designated alternative routes to navigate the city more effectively. The municipality is committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the timely completion of the infrastructure upgrades, which are essential for the future development of the city’s transportation network.