Filenews 8 September 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
Every day that passes becomes more and more obvious to ordinary citizens moving on the north side of Pafos or on the Limassol-Paphos motorway just before the Konia terminal, the progress of work on the Pafia life's work: The new Paphos-Polis Chrysochous motorway.
The ongoing works at a very intensive pace for the first phase of the project are clearly reflected on the ground now, with the route that the new motorway will follow being now clearly visible at the height of Agia Marinouda and Marathounta up to Stroumbi. The works of the new Paphos-Polis motorway started in October 2022 and are expected to be delivered in November 2024.
The part of the project that arouses the particular interest of its viewers is clearly the construction of two new tunnels, the first and largest of which is already one of the most photographed spots in the province in recent weeks. This tunnel, 720 meters long, starts at the 8th kilometer of the new road, while the second will start at the 10th kilometer. The crews of the consortium that won the relevant tender work until the early hours of the morning daily to complete this difficult part of the project.
The tunnel boring is progressing according to the officials at a satisfactory pace and is progressing daily from one and a half to three meters. The height of the tunnel at the stage we are at today is 7.5 meters, while upon its completion the base will be excavated and the total height will reach 11 meters. The tunnel consists of two traffic lanes, will have sidewalks and lighting, while right next to it another smaller one is being built, which will be used by pedestrians to exit in case of an accident.
The construction of the large viaduct before Stroumpi, which will be connected to the second tunnel, is also in progress. The viaduct will cross the stream south of the well-known location Lemonaristo height of Polemi and will end at the exit of Stroumpi, where it will be the end of the first phase of the project.
The whole project as a whole has a length of about 31 kilometers and its construction is progressing in two phases. The planned technical works include rainwater culverts, an interchange for connection to the Limassol – Paphos motorway, a roundabout at Tsada and one at the termination point after Stroumbi, two tunnels of 730 and 290 meters length respectively, five viaducts with a total length of 1500 meters, two overpasses and nine underpasses. Additional long lanes of about 12 kilometres will also be built due to the uphill gradient of the road.
Phase A: Agia Marinouda to Stroumbi
The first phase of the construction of the motorway concerns the section from Agia Marinouda to Stroumbi. This work, under the contract, will be completed at the end of November 2024, for an amount of €87 million. The section of the first phase is 15.5 km long with two lanes.
For the second phase there is the preliminary study and the competent departments proceed gradually with the remaining phases of the process. The route of the road is marked, while the relevant expropriations have been made. The section of the motorway from Stroumbi to Polis Chrysochous has much fewer technical works and although the length is similar, with 15 km, the cost is estimated to be 50% lower.
