€200 Million to Be Invested in Reducing Traffic Congestion in Limassol

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades held an emergency meeting with the mayors of Limassol’s municipalities, during which a series of major infrastructure projects was approved. The concern is significant: the city’s road network has long struggled to cope with growing traffic volumes, with approximately 10,000 new vehicles being registered in Limassol every year. Local residents, whom Mayor Yiannis Armeftis described as “sufferers,” are losing hours in traffic congestion every day, a situation that he says has become unbearable.

A New Bypass Road Worth €200 Million

The flagship project aimed at breaking the cycle of traffic congestion is the construction of Limassol’s northern bypass road. The new route will run parallel to the existing coastal highway, connecting the eastern areas of Amathus and Germasogeia with the western districts of Kourion and Ypsonas. The project’s budget is estimated at €200 million. Vafeades announced that tenders for the first three sections of the road are expected to be launched before the end of 2026. The most advanced segment, Evagoras Lanitis Avenue, is scheduled to go out to tender in the third quarter of this year.

Tram System, Park-and-Ride Facilities, and Dedicated Lanes

The plans extend far beyond the construction of a new road. Authorities acknowledge that building another motorway alone will not solve the problem without encouraging greater use of public transport. Several alternative solutions were discussed during the meeting, including:

1. Public Transport. The minister admitted that the existing Park & Ride facilities are not operating effectively. The goal now is not only to create dedicated bus lanes but also to ensure they are properly utilised. Vafeades stated that it would make little sense to have an empty lane used by only one bus per hour. Therefore, authorities plan to increase the number of buses and parking facilities before introducing dedicated lanes on a wider scale.
2. Tram Line. Armeftis confirmed that a preliminary study for a tram system in Limassol is already underway. According to him, no option should be ruled out at this stage, as the primary objective is to improve quality of life for residents.
3. Cycling Infrastructure. Environmentally friendly transport has not been overlooked. As part of broader European initiatives, the development of cycling lanes has already begun in Limassol, alongside new bus-lane projects. Construction work on Nikos Pattichis Avenue has generated mixed reactions from local businesses, but the municipality has stated that the contractor is expected to complete the project by the end of June 2026.

The mayors of the various districts are expected to submit a clear list of priority projects to the minister within the next two weeks.

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