Larnaca presents its vision for urban accessibility and transportation

Larnaca municipality promotes accessibility and alternative modes of transport through the reconstruction of the roads in the urban centre of the city, expected to start in January.

The second phase of the redevelopment of roads and facilities for the disabled as well as the redevelopment of the Akropoleos and Alkis squares were presented on Wednesday afternoon at Zouhouri square.

Estimated at €8 million, the two projects in the Larnaca centre will start in January and are to be completed within two years.

Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said the implementation of these two specific projects is in line with the municipality’s vision for the creation of a modern and contemporary environment which respects the natural environment.

“The two projects are expected to complement the already implemented projects in the city centre and will attract young people and citizens of all ages towards a better quality of life,” he said.

As part of the redevelopment of the Akropoleos and Alkis Squares the mayor said that the existing roads will be improved by removing the asphalt layers to lay cobblestones, by widening pavements, upgrading of stormwater system and upgrading infrastructure and utility networks. The project also includes “the landscaping and optimisation of the area by increasing greenery, installing a water element and installing modern urban equipment,” Vyras said.

It will also aim to improve all facilities for the disabled.

The project includes the streets Louki Akrita, as well as a section of Orfeos Gladstonos, Konstantinos Kalogeras and Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue.  It is expected to amount to €3.7 million and is part of the Thalia policy programme which is co-financed by the European Union.

Regarding the second phase of the reconstruction of roads and facilities for the disabled in the Larnaca Urban Centre the Mayor said it concerns improvement of the existing road network and connects co-funded projects of the period 2007-13 and 2014-20. Those works included the redevelopment of three squares, the roads and facilities for the disabled – Phase A, the new Municipal Market, the Zouhouri Square Redevelopment and the Multipurpose Centre.

More roads will be improved, pavements will become wider, roadside parking spaces, except for delivery vehicles, will be removed, while the stormwater system will be upgraded as well as other infrastructure and utility networks and undergrounding services. Electronic information points will be installed as will new road signs and LED lights.

Hence, the project looks to create conditions for sustainable mobility and accessibility.

“The whole design transforms the urban centre from a project that mainly supports motor vehicles to a project that promotes alternative movement for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities, making it fully accessible to all.

“The reconstruction, improvement and upgrading of the road and the area will allow the aesthetic and functional upgrade of the area which is the core of the municipality and will be a reference point while increasing traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled people,” Vyras noted.

Furthermore, the project will “enhance the greenery… promote and highlight the architectural, urban, historical, social and environmental value of the area.”

It will also “reduce noise pollution and the emission of air pollutants and dust,” the mayor said.

He added that “with the redevelopment and completion of this project, the municipality aims to create a characteristic core in the city centre, which unfortunately does not exist until today despite the fact that this area is the most important tourist attraction of Larnaca”