28 weeks of disruption in Nicosia. Renovations to Digeni Akrita Avenue have begun.

Work has begun on a busy street in Nicosia, expected to last approximately 28 weeks. The renovation of Digeni Akrita Avenue includes strengthening the drainage channel beneath the roadway. Drivers should prepare for phased lane closures and detours.

Work began on Monday, October 5th. The first phase covers the section between Protagorou and Alkamenous Streets. Initially, one lane towards Larnakos Avenue will be closed, followed by both lanes leading in that direction. This phase is scheduled for completion on December 4th.

Digeni Akrita Avenue Renovation: Detours and Closures

During the first phase, traffic will be diverted via Protagorou, Simonidou, and Archermou Streets. Traffic patterns will change as the work progresses, so please pay attention to temporary signage.

Alkamenous and Polykleitou Streets will become no-through roads. Residents will retain access to their properties from Simonidou Street.

The entire avenue will not be closed at once. The work has been divided into phases, and the restrictions will apply to sections directly above the canal being repaired. The project involves a structure running beneath the avenue between Kallipoleos Street and Larnakos Avenue.

There is a channel of the Kotsirkas River under the road.

A reinforced concrete canal runs beneath Digeni Akrita Avenue, carrying the Kotsirkas River. The structure is approximately 50 years old and drains water beneath the heavily used road.

The inspection revealed concrete damage and exposed reinforcement, particularly in the upper section of the canal. The structural condition is affected by the passage of time, the presence of water, and the loads and vibrations caused by passing vehicles.

The repairs will strengthen the canal and ensure the safety of the road above it. The photos below show what the structure looks like from the inside.

How will the work be carried out?

Workers will drill holes in the canal's top plate to access the interior and provide ventilation. The structure will be cleaned and temporarily supported.

The walls and ceiling will then be reinforced with new reinforcement and shotcrete. Repairs will also include the connections between individual sections of the canal.

Once the work is completed, the openings will be sealed and the road surface restored. The project will be divided into phases to allow for work to be carried out while maintaining traffic on the remaining sections of the avenue.

Current announcements about further closures and changes to traffic organization are published by the Nicosia District Municipality.

Over €2.25 million for canal reinforcement

The value of the signed contract is 2,259,499 euros plus VATTwo-thirds of the costs will be covered by the state. The remaining portion will be financed by the Nicosia District Municipality, using funds raised from stormwater infrastructure fees.

The entire project is expected to take approximately 28 weeks, so disruptions could persist until spring 2027. The December 4 date only applies to the completion of the first stage, not the entire investment.

Those who regularly travel through this part of Nicosia should allow for additional travel time. It will be particularly important to monitor road signs at intersections, where further changes will be introduced as the renovations progress.

Sources: Nicosia District Municipal Organisation, Politis.