The new Larnaca–Dhekelia road, a €14.8 million project, has been opened to traffic. Phase III of the road—a project that had been awaited for 26 years —has been handed over to the public, with the relevant authorities highlighting a significant improvement in safety, accessibility, and the area’s tourism potential.
The main road network has a total length of approximately 3.25 kilometers, while the secondary network of service roads extends over 4.5 kilometers.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
One lane of the Paphos-Limassol highway will be closed for 6.5 hours
The project includes four traffic lanes—two in each direction—a paved central median, modern sidewalks, bike lanes, green spaces, bus stops, curbside parking spaces, and four at-grade roundabouts.
Twenty-two traffic-light-controlled Pelican-style crosswalks have also been installed on the road network to enhance public safety.
The secondary road network has one or two traffic lanes, paved sidewalks, parking spaces, and zebra crossings, while most connections to the main road network are elevated.
The cost of the project amounted to 14 million 838 thousand euros plus VAT.
Work began on September 30, 2022, and, according to the initial schedule, was supposed to be completed on March 17, 2025. However, following a revision of the contract’s completion date, the project was completed on July 16, 2026.
Lazaros Lazarou, the District Engineer of the Larnaca Department of Public Works and the project engineer, stated that on July 24, the entire 3.3-kilometer-long main road was handed over, which ends at the roundabout leading to Pyla.
As he noted, the service roads of the final phase remain to be completed; these were not originally included in the contracts, but following a change in plans, they will be constructed by the end of October. At the same time, landscaping of the road is expected to begin by the end of October.
Mr. Lazarou noted that there had been delays, which were, however, justified, adding that there are no contractual issues with the contractor.
He described the project as particularly important for Larnaca, noting that it will contribute to the region’s development, the creation of new developments, and the enhancement of public safety.
As he noted, modern bike lanes are a key component of the project, as cycling is a defining feature of modern European cities.
The President of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nakis Antoniou, spoke of a significant development, noting that “at long last, after so many years, we have seen the Larnaca–Dhekelia road opened to the public.”
He noted, however, that the project is not yet fully complete, as the service roads are still pending, in order to finalize a project that has long been a priority for the city.
For his part, the President of the Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company, Dinos Lefkaritis, noted that the road was handed over after a significant delay, expressing hope that the landscaping work will also be completed soon.
He said that this development strengthens the Larnaca tourist area, while noting that the city is on an upward trajectory, with increased tourist traffic despite international challenges.
