New works on the Nicosia-Limassol highway are causing a headache for motorists as authorities plead for patience.

Speaking to Alphanews, road safety officer, George Milis, outlined the road works that currently affect drivers on the Nicosia-Limassol motorway, in particular the entrance to Nicosia, which records the highest daily traffic flows on the island.

The two primary improvement projects taxing travelers are the construction of the Nicosia ring road, currently affecting the Dali industrial zone; and, to a lesser extent, the creation of new exit and entrance ramps at the Kornos intersection.

The ring road project includes construction of a new motorway section up to ​​Lakatameia. According to Milis, two underground tunnels are to be built in the area connecting the perimeter with the motorway, and an above-ground bridge.

In order to complete the construction, half the width of the current six lanes must be set aside for work crews. The result is that the two directions of traffic will be temporarily accommodated in four lanes, east of the existing motorway, Milis explained.

The above projects, which started about three weeks ago, are expected to continue for another five months, while the entire project completion date is end of 2023.

Milis recommended for daily commuters to set off for their journey earlier since from 7:15 to 9:00 am congestion can be counted on.

Another recommendation is to drive a part of the commute on the old Nicosia– Limassol road, either exiting at Kotsiatis or through Pera Chorio, and then re-entering the highway at the ​​Latsia industrial zone.

As soon as the existing works are completed, similar works are planned for the western part of the motorway, which will last an additional five months. According to Milis, the new ring road is expected to reduce travel time for drivers by 10-15 minutes.

Improvement of the Kornos junction on the Nicosia – Limassol motorway is being undertaken due to longstanding road safety problems, Milis explained. This project began construction last August. “It is expected to further help the surrounding areas to reduce their travel time to both Nicosia and Limassol,” said Milis. The anticipated end date for this project is September 2022.