Filenews 24 February 2022 - by Dora Christodoulou
Major road projects are planned to either start or continue in 2022, according to the transport ministry's budget. The road works are expected to be implemented by the Department of Public Works, in an effort to improve the country's road network, which is the main supporting infrastructure for all sectors of the economy. Cyprus relies exclusively on road transport for domestic travel, which is why it proceeds to the development of sustainable, safe and efficient road infrastructure for drivers of vehicles and motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians. The main place in the relevant list is the major project of the new Pafos – Polis Chrysochous road, the details for the implementation of which have now been "locked".
After the termination of the tendering process that began in 2006 for the award of the project using the method Design – Construction – Financing – Operation, the design of the project was revised with the aim of reducing costs and is promoted in 2 phases. The first phase concerns the point, Agia Marinouda – Stroumbi, which is an area of 15.5 km. The design of the first section has been adapted according to the approved geometric standards, so that it functions as a two-lane interurban road, with a speed limit of 80 km / h.
Due to the uphill slope, additional lanes on uphills will be constructed over a long length (about 12 km). The section of the road includes an interchange at the junction with the Limassol – Pafos motorway, near Agia Marinouda, 2 tunnels of 730m. and 290m. respectively, 5 viaducts, 2 above-ground crossings and 9 underpasses and two temporary roundabouts, one in the Tsada area and a terminal in Stroumbi, at the junction to Kathikas.
The tender for the design – construction of the project was announced in May 2019 and was awarded for an amount of €72.9 million. however, the signing of the contract was delayed due to a hierarchical appeal and was eventually done with the same contractor. The project was not granted environmental approval but is being promoted for reasons of public interest. In May this year, work will begin and will be completed on November 26, 2024. This part of the road will be connected to the existing road after Stroumbi and will operate autonomously. For the completion of the project as planned, a section of another 15km remains from Stroumbi to the entrance of the city.
Around €50 million in the cost of the second phase
For the implementation of the project, a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) has also been secured. Moreover, in relation to the second phase of the project, Stroumbi – Polis Chrysochous, the Public Works will proceed with the procedures for the implementation of the specific part of the project when a relevant political decision is taken. The cost for the part of the road which is an area of 15.5 km. is estimated at around €50 million. A project note will be prepared to be included in the budget. Subsequently, the expropriation process will be completed and environmental approval will be secured, with the possibility that an updated Environmental Study and a Proper Environmental Impact Assessment Study will be required, because it is adjacent to areas that fall under the Natura 2000 Network.
Also, consultants should be assigned the adaptation of the preliminary study and the preparation of tender documents for a project study – construction of two lanes. At the same time, improvement works are being promoted on the existing road, with the aim of improving its road safety and functionality, for a preliminary cost. The 1st phase has already been completed and the completion of the 2nd phase is expected soon. The proclamation of the 2nd phase will be made as soon as the expropriation process is completed. The works include, sewerage, construction of an uphill lane in two sections and widenings / improvements of turns / junctions.
