Newsroom
Limassol's rapidly expanding northern suburbs are set to receive new road connections as authorities seek both immediate and long-term solutions to the city's persistent congestion problems.
Transport, Communications and Works Minister Evi Tsolaki visited the Agia Fyla area on Thursday to review planned infrastructure projects, including the opening of Idomeneos Street, which is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists travelling towards a busy roundabout and the Limassol bypass.
Construction on Idomeneos Street is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with completion expected within three to four months. Funding has already been secured and preparations for the tender process are under way, according to the minister.
Although relatively small, the project is expected to work alongside improvements to Elli Lampeti Street to create an alternative route and reduce traffic pressure in the Agia Fyla area.
Recent heavy rainfall has complicated preparations, however, after landslides were reported near the project site. Drainage and other protective works will therefore be required before and during construction.
Tsolaki said regular cooperation between the government, local authorities and affected communities would be essential to ensuring that projects are implemented effectively.
The minister also identified the planned northern bypass as one of the most significant infrastructure projects facing Limassol. Her ministry is examining outstanding procedures and exploring ways to reduce delays while remaining within legal requirements.
An initial section involving Evagora Laniti Street is among the projects under consideration. The planned route would connect Giannou Kranidioti Avenue with 1st of April Street before further sections are developed.
Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis said the city's traffic problems could not be resolved through isolated interventions alone, arguing that a series of major infrastructure projects would be needed as development continues north of the motorway.
More than 100,000 people now live in the areas north of the bypass, he said, with Limassol having expanded significantly in that direction in recent years.
The growing population has increased pressure on existing roads and junctions, making the development of new transport connections increasingly urgent, according to the mayor.
Armeftis welcomed the planned opening of Idomeneos Street, saying it would provide some immediate relief when combined with the Elli Lampeti Street project. However, he stressed that larger schemes, particularly the northern bypass, remained necessary to achieve a lasting improvement in traffic conditions.
Representatives of the Agia Fyla community also welcomed the proposals. Costas Charalambides, president of the Agia Fyla Friends Association, said the opening of Idomeneos Street could improve access towards eastern Limassol but would need to be coordinated with work on Elli Lampeti Street to have a meaningful effect on congestion.
He added that the development of Evagora Laniti Street was also important and said the combination of the planned projects could offer at least temporary relief while authorities work towards longer-term solutions.
