Traffic jams in Limassol. Major road investments without clear funding for 2027.

Traffic jams in Limassol remain a daily problem, and the financing of major investments intended to alleviate the city's traffic congestion remains questionable. According to an analysis by the daily newspaper Politis, the draft budget for 2027 does not provide a clear timeline for the construction of the most important planned roads. However, funds are available for documentation and project preparation.

Government sources respond that the lack of full funding for the works does not mean a freeze on investments. According to their explanations, funding could be released after the required analyses are completed, even as early as 2027. However, local government officials fear further delays, especially since the construction of large roads could take three or four years.

Traffic jams in Limassol and another wait for investments

The biggest reservations concern the difference between earlier announcements and the readiness of projects to be implemented.

The list of anticipated investments includes the northern bypass, another section of the Limassol-Saittas road, and the reconstruction of important city arteries. However, individual projects still require analyses, approvals, or environmental decisions.

According to Politis, the situation has sparked dissatisfaction among local authorities. The issue is expected to resurface during the parliamentary budget debate.

For residents, the most important thing is to determine when the work will actually begin. Completing the documentation, issuing the tender, and opening the road are three distinct stages.

Northern bypass: approximately €62.5 million

The first two stages of the northern bypass include investments at Evagora Laniti and Synergatismou and parts of Nikaias.

The first one was valued at approximately 32.5 million euros, together with flood control works. The second one at approximately 30 million eurosThis totals approximately €62.5 million.

Among the obstacles cited was the need to prepare cost-effectiveness analyses. In the case of Evagora Laniti, the documentation is further complicated by the inclusion of extensive flood protection measures.

Limassol-Saittas road awaits environmental assessment

Another important investment is phase A2 of the Limassol–Saittas road, covering the Palodia–Alassa section. The estimated cost is 80–83 million euros.

The project faces difficulties at the environmental assessment stage because part of the proposed route runs through a Natura 2000 area.

Previous announcements assumed a tender would be announced at the end of 2026. However, this does not constitute a confirmed construction commencement date.

Major road projects for Limassol

Estimated costs for the entire investment are provided in the Politis analysis. These are not amounts allocated for construction in 2027.

Northern Bypass - Two Phases approximately €62.5 million

Evagora Laniti, Synergatismou, and part of Nikaias. Issues remain regarding cost-effectiveness analyses and flood control works.

Limassol–Saittas, Phase A2 €80–83 million

Palodia–Alassa section. The project requires resolution of environmental issues related to the Natura 2000 area.

Agios Athanasios route approximately €30 million

Widening and improvement of the road system, also covering parts of Kolonakiou and Griva Digeni.

City arteries also require reconstruction

Among the expected works is the modernization Agias Fylaxeos, including the design of the intersection with Makariou Avenue. No confirmed total cost has been indicated for this project.

The reconstruction of the Agios Athanasios road is also important. Its importance is growing due to the planned shopping center and the additional traffic that may be generated in the area.

The analysis also highlights smaller interventions: new motorway entrances, road widening and interchange parking lots. park and rideThey also require financing, and in the case of parking lots, often land acquisition.

What is planned in the 2027 budget?

According to the amounts quoted by Politis, the project includes, among others:

• 100,000 euros for a collective item concerning the analysis of several streets and road connections;
• 100,010 euros for the documentation of the first two stages of the northern bypass;
• 210,000 euros for a joint position covering the preparation of plans for the Limassol–Saittas road and the roundabout at the access to Palodia.

This final amount does not guarantee funding for the entire A2 phase. Nor should all of these items be presented solely as analysis costs, as one also includes the roundabout.

Government: funds may be released later

Government sources cited in the publication maintain that projects are being prepared and appropriate funding will be available once the required procedures are completed.

They point out that the lack of full construction amounts in the current draft budget does not mean that work will begin until 2028. They allow for the implementation of subsequent steps also in 2027.

However, this doesn't resolve concerns about timing. Even after funding is released, large investments will require time for tenders and construction.

When might traffic jams in Limassol ease?

Based on the plans described, it's impossible to pinpoint a definitive date for the improvement. The publication estimates that major projects could require three or four years of construction.

Therefore, there is no basis for promising a quick relief of the city's burden, nor for considering all investments as permanently frozen. Completing preparations, securing financing, and setting specific dates for tenders and the commencement of work will be crucial.

Only these decisions will show whether the announcements will translate into roads that residents will actually be able to use.

Sources: Politis, Kanali 6.