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After months of setbacks and stalled progress, three of Cyprus’ biggest public works projects are getting a fresh start. The government plans to re-tender and relaunch work on the long-delayed Paphos–Polis road, the redevelopment of Larnaca port, and the expansion of Nicosia’s regional ring road, all by the end of 2025.
These major projects had hit roadblocks after issues with the contractors who initially took them on. In some cases, companies failed to deliver, or the deals fell apart. But with new plans and tenders in the pipeline, officials say they’re ready to move forward again. Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras reports:
Paphos–Polis road: A bumpy start, but hope for progress
First on the list is the long-awaited Paphos to Polis Chrysochous road. It was meant to be a key route connecting the town of Polis with the rest of the island—but work came to a halt after the original contractor abandoned the project. The road has now been split into three phases. Authorities are focusing first on the Paphos-to-Stroumpi section, and tender documents are nearly ready. The goal is to award the new contract by this autumn, and if all goes to plan, work could restart in early 2026.
Future phases will include building a four-lane highway from Polis to Stroumpi and later expanding the Paphos–Stroumpi stretch to four lanes as well. But for now, the focus is on getting the basics done right.
Nicosia ring road: Two new phases on the horizon
The expansion of the Nicosia regional road, a vital traffic-relief route for the capital, is also making a comeback. With Phase 1 already completed, the Public Works Department is pushing forward with two more stages. The first of those, known as Phase B3—from Lakatamia to Anthoupolis—is nearly set to begin, with contracts expected to be signed in May with the Cyfield-Iacovou consortium.
Phase C, a 7.2 km stretch connecting Anthoupolis to the under-construction Workers’ Junction, is expected to go to tender in the first half of 2025. These additions will ease traffic congestion and improve access across the Nicosia district.
Larnaca Port: A new vision in the works
Perhaps the most ambitious relaunch is the redevelopment of Larnaca port. This project stalled after the previous contractor walked away, but there’s now a renewed sense of optimism. The government is working closely with Greece’s Public Property Development Fund (PIFED), an organization with a track record in port redevelopment.
Two major studies will be carried out: one to examine the port’s commercial and passenger potential and another to guide investment and development decisions. These findings will shape whether the port and marina are revamped together or separately. While it’s early days, authorities are confident this partnership will get the project back on course.
Why These Projects Matter
Beyond fixing past mistakes, these infrastructure projects are crucial for Cyprus’ economic and environmental future. Better roads mean safer, faster travel. A modern port boosts trade and tourism. And improved traffic flow in Nicosia can reduce emissions and make everyday commutes smoother.
Officials say the groundwork is now being laid to get these plans moving again—with the aim of selecting new contractors and starting fresh construction within 2025. It’s a second chance to finish what was started—and a much-needed boost for Cyprus’ infrastructure.
