One of the most important urban planning projects for the province of Paphos that are expected to be completed in 2030 is on track for implementation, with the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA) for the upgrade of the coastal road axis of Polis Chrysochous. The project, which is expected to change the face of the area from Latchi to Limni, is now at the stage of public consultation until June 10 at the Department of Environment.
In terms of traffic function, the road is expected to contribute substantially to the decongestion of the center of the Municipality, providing a safer and faster connection between the tourist areas and the municipal districts. At the same time, it will serve the seasonally increased traffic flows during the months of high traffic, reducing the nuisance to residents and enhancing road safety.
The investment, totalling €12 million, will be financed 4/5 by the State and 1/5 by the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous. According to the plan, construction work is expected to start in 2028 and will be completed in one phase within 15 months.
The project is located at a short distance from the communities of Neo Chorio, Pelathousa, Androlykou, Makounta, Drousia and Steni, serving the wider area.
The road axis will have a total length of about 4,570 meters. A significant part of the project (3,400 meters) concerns the improvement of the existing road, however a new alignment of 750 meters is also planned that will pass through private plots of land with arable dry crops.
The plan includes modern infrastructure aimed at road safety and alternative mobility:
• Three new roundabouts for better traffic management.
• Two types of cross-sections. A 17-meter-wide cross-section that will include sidewalks, green lanes and a bicycle path and a wider cross-section with a total width of 21 meters that incorporates an additional lane for clockwise movements and an island, along with the corresponding sidewalks, a bicycle path and a green lane.
• Bus stops, encouraging the use of public transportation.
Due to the proximity to sensitive ecosystems, such as the mouth of the Chrysochous River and the wetland, the Department of Environment considered it necessary to prepare a complete Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA). The study thoroughly examines the effects on a 2,000-meter-wide zone, taking into account the rural nature of the area and the local geological challenges of the "Mammonia Complex".
Upgrading the road aims to solve chronic problems:
1. Decongestion of the center of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous.
2. Safer connection between tourist areas and residential zones.
3. Management of increased traffic during the summer months, limiting the nuisance for permanent residents.
