Nicosia, Cyprus. Severe traffic congestion was reported in central Nicosia on Thursday as the closure of Kritis Street and Philippiados Street for roadworks continued to cause major delays for motorists and disrupt access to businesses and residences.
Closures disrupt city centre traffic
According to Sigma, the restrictions have been in place since last Friday as part of an infrastructure upgrade programme being carried out by the Nicosia municipality.
Kritis Street had become a widely used alternative route following traffic changes on Makarios Avenue, making its closure particularly disruptive for drivers travelling through the city centre.
Motorists faced lengthy queues throughout the area as traffic was diverted onto narrower connecting roads.
Impact on businesses and residents
Business owners reported reduced customer access and lower commercial activity during a period considered important for summer trade.
Residents also reported difficulties reaching properties and finding available parking.
Congestion was further worsened by the inability of drivers to continue directly through Makarios Avenue, forcing larger volumes of traffic onto adjacent streets and creating bottlenecks across the road network.
Alternative routes and project timeline
Municipal authorities directed motorists towards alternative routes, including Kypranoros Street, which recently reopened to traffic, and Androkleous Street, both of which are intended to help ease pressure on the affected section of the city centre.
The works are intended to upgrade Nicosia’s road network through the recovery and resilience plan with funding from the EU initiative, and are being carried out by Cyfield.
Officials expect construction work on Kritis Street and Philippiados Street to be completed by August 11 under the current timetable.