**Traffic Lights to Improve Road Safety in Aradippou**
Aradippou, Cyprus – In a significant move to enhance road safety, additional traffic lights will be operational starting Tuesday at two key junctions on Ellados Avenue, as announced by Mayor Christodoulos Partou on Sunday. This initiative comes in response to a series of fatal accidents that have occurred on this busy thoroughfare.
The installation of the traffic lights has been ongoing for approximately four months, with the municipality receiving all three sets of lights by the end of May. However, the completion of the project was delayed due to the need for essential technical tests and adjustments to ensure the systems function correctly.
The first set of traffic lights, located at the intersection of Ellados Avenue with Ivykou and Sergiou & Vakchou Streets, was activated on Wednesday. The remaining traffic lights at the intersections of Ellados Avenue with Georgiou Theotoka Street and Iakovou Patatsou Street will be switched on this coming Tuesday.
To facilitate the installation process, parts of Ellados Avenue will be closed to traffic on Monday and Tuesday. Mayor Partou urged drivers to exercise caution during this period, advising them to drive at reduced speeds, adhere to temporary road signs, and exhibit patience as the work is finalized. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the traffic lights and accompanying cameras operate smoothly once they are fully operational.
In addition to the traffic lights, pedestrian crossings have been installed at the three junctions, with the total cost of the project amounting to €280,000. Mayor Partou remarked that the establishment of these light-controlled intersections should have been prioritized earlier, given the high volume of traffic on Ellados Avenue, which is frequently used by both cars and trucks. He noted the alarming history of accidents on this avenue, including several fatalities, with a tragic incident in March resulting in the death of a 52-year-old man.
Looking ahead, the municipality plans to construct pavements on both sides of Ellados Avenue over the next two years, further enhancing safety for pedestrians. Additionally, trees have been planted along the avenue to improve the area’s aesthetics and contribute to a safer environment.
The implementation of these traffic lights and accompanying safety measures marks a proactive approach by the Aradippou municipality to address road safety concerns and reduce the risk of accidents on one of the town's busiest roads. As the new systems come into operation, local authorities hope that they will lead to a significant decrease in traffic-related incidents and promote safer travel for all road users.