The Cyprus Ministry of Transport has announced a tender for the installation of “smart” traffic lights at 15 intersections: 7 in Nicosia and 8 in Limassol. However, the list of specific intersections that will be the first to receive the new systems has not yet been published. The new system will monitor traffic intensity in real time and automatically adjust the duration of green and red signals. The main goal is to reduce congestion, queues at intersections and travel times.
Applications for participation in the tender will be accepted until September 18. Work is scheduled to begin in early October, with the project expected to be completed within 3 months, meaning by the end of the year. The estimated contract value is €41,900 excluding VAT. Funding will come from the state budget.
How the “smart” traffic lights will work
Instead of operating according to a fixed schedule, the traffic lights will respond to actual road conditions. This will be achieved using Vehicle-Actuated Signal technology, under which signal durations are adjusted depending on the number of vehicles. Data will be collected by special AGD (Above Ground Detector) units. They will be able to detect approaching vehicles and transmit information to the control system.
As a result, if a queue forms in one direction, the system will be able to change the duration of the green signal based on the actual traffic load at the intersection. According to the ministry’s plans, the technology should not only reduce congestion, but also improve road safety and make intersection operation more stable as traffic intensity changes.
The equipment must be compatible with the existing traffic light infrastructure. The tender winner will be responsible for the supply, installation, programming and operation of the system. The competition is being conducted under an open procedure, and the contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous bid, taking price into account. The manufacturer’s warranty for the detectors must be at least 24 months.
Cyprus is preparing a much larger system
The installation of “smart” traffic lights at 15 intersections is being treated as a separate project fa much broader modernization of Cyprus’s road infrastructure. At the same time, the country is preparing to introduce an intelligent traffic management system worth around €7 million. The first phase involves connecting 125 signal-controlled intersections: 75 in Nicosia and 50 in Limassol.
A unified traffic management center is planned for these intersections. The system is also expected to give priority to public transport and emergency vehicles. In the future, the project is expected to be expanded to approximately 500 intersections across Cyprus. The contract for the larger system is in its final stage following court proceedings related to the tender procedure.
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