The initial phase of the Nicosia Ring Road is slated to open to traffic on 8 August, following a delay of 16 months and 16 days.
Lefteris Eleftheriou, Director of the Public Works Department, indicated that final works are still underway on the motorway and at the Tseriou junction to ensure user safety before the road’s handover. These include asphalt paving, pavement completion, signage installation, and various service infrastructure works.
The contractor faces a daily penalty of €5,500 for the delay. If the project opens as planned on 8 August, the total penalty will amount to €132,000.
The Central Committee on Changes and Claims (CCAC) had previously granted a phased extension until March 2024, followed by a 128-day extension to 16 June 2024. Citing adverse weather conditions, the contractor secured a further extension to 25 May 2024.
Additional extension requests until 5 August 2024 were partially approved, with the CCAC granting an extension to 15 July 2024. Penalties for unjustified delays have been imposed from this date onwards.
Despite the construction industry’s typical August work suspension, efforts to complete the project have intensified due to the daily penalty.
Phase A1, spanning 7.4 km from the Nicosia-Limassol motorway to Tseriou Avenue, is nearing completion. The next phase, already out for tender, will connect the Anthoupoli government housing estates to the Lakatamia-Deftera road. Bids close on 20 September, with contract award expected by early next year.
Phase C tender, from the Anthoupoli junction to the Ergates roundabout, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. Authorities aim to complete all phases of the Ring Road between 2030 and 2032.
