Filenews 4 July 2025
The contract for the construction of Phase B3 of the Nicosia Bypass Motorway, which concerns the section from the Anthoupolis Settlements to the Nicosia – Deftera road, was signed on Thursday.
The project, with a total cost of €29.92 million plus VAT, will start in August 2025 and has an implementation duration of 36 months. The project is co-financed by 85% from the Cohesion Fund through the "THALIA 2021-2027" program.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Phase B3 includes the construction of a new 2.15 km long, four-lane motorway, with a 2.60 m wide raised dividing islet between the fronts of the STEP type safety barriers, the construction of a level roundabout at the intersection with the Lakatamia – Deftera road (E902), a bridge over the Pedieos River, two overpasses and connecting roads in the intersection with the Nicosia – Palaichori road (E903) at the entrance of the Anthoupolis Settlements, and restoration of the roads of the local network that are affected.
At the northern limit, the highway ends in a deep trench at the "Manta" hill with the prospect of continuing with the construction of Phase C in the near future.
In addition, works are included, such as the construction of a rainwater drainage system, the underground installation of all utilities and telecommunications providers, new installations for the high-voltage transmission network of the Cyprus Electricity Authority, new installations for central water supply sewerage pipes (TAY and SL), installation of modern street lighting at the junctions, planting – landscaping, irrigation system, road signage and other related works.
The award was made following an open tender procedure.
General Description
The Nicosia Bypass Motorway (A22) extends from the Geri area to the east, passes north of the Dali Industrial Area (Phase D) and connects to the Nicosia-Limassol motorway in the area of Halepiana. It continues north of Tseri (Phase A1), passes through Lakatameia (Phases B1, B2 & B3) to the area west of Anthoupoli and through areas of Deftera, of Agioi Trimithia and Paliometochos, ends at the Nicosia-Troodos motorway with which it is connected (Phase E). The project includes (as Phase C) a section of the 7 km long Nicosia-Palichori motorway. approximately, from Anthoupoli to Anageia.
In its entirety, the perimeter motorway consists of a road network of motorways of approximately 32 km in length, along with more than 23 km. road network of primary roads and roads of the secondary road network with which it is connected through 16 junctions.
Upon completion, the perimeter motorway will connect the main radial roads of Nicosia, the existing Nicosia-Limassol (A1) and Nicosia-Kokkinotrimithia (A9) motorways, as well as the proposed Nicosia-Palaichori motorway (A10).
Goals and expected benefits
Upon completion, the Nicosia Bypass Motorway is expected to significantly enhance the connectivity and accessibility of the capital with the surrounding areas, reducing unnecessary travel and traffic congestion, particularly from heavy vehicles between Limassol and Nicosia.
The project aims to reduce travel time and costs, improve road safety and sustainable transport development, while delivering environmental and socio-economic benefits. It will strengthen the cohesion of the national road network, covering the lack of connection between three main motorways (A1, A9, A10), while it will play a key role in a single, homogeneous transport network, in view of the island's reunification efforts.
The phases of the perimeter motorway
As mentioned, due to the extent and complexity of the project around the entire free Nicosia, as well as the significant cost of the implementation of the perimeter (A22), it is imperative to promote its gradual construction. For this purpose, the study has been geographically divided into a number of Phases, in order to make it possible to promote its construction in parts and with a time horizon of their implementation in 2032, through eight separate construction contracts.
Phase A1 of the project has already been implemented and put into circulation as of August 2024, with a construction cost of €61 million plus VAT, which is a connection of the Limassol – Nicosia motorway (despite the junction of the Dali industrial area) with Tseriou/Strovolos Avenue (despite the industrial area of Lakatamia). In addition, in the immediate future, it is planned to bid for Phase C of the project, with an estimated construction cost of €85 million plus VAT, which will be the first section of the Nicosia-Palaichori motorway (A10) from the area of Anthoupoli to Anageia.
Phase B3, signed today, concerns the connection of Archbishop Makarios C Avenue (E902) in Lakatamia with the existing Nicosia – Palaichori road (E903) in Deftera. This section includes a 2.15 km long motorway. of four lanes (A22), connecting roads of 1 km. approx. 160m long bridge. above the Pedieos River, 700m pile wall, two overpasses of local and connecting roads and two interchanges to connect the motorway with the above existing roads.
CNA
