Repairs on Kritis Street paralyze traffic in central Nicosia

Roadworks on Kritis and Filippiadou streets have brought central Nicosia to a standstill in traffic jams. Drivers and local businesses have been left without their usual parking. The municipality warned that the works will take about two months.

What was closed and on which section?

The works cover a section of Kritis Street — from Digeni Akrita Avenue to Stasandrou Street. Temporary traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of Androklis and Stasandrou streets. Drivers are asked to remain attentive and follow the temporary signs and diversion routes.

How have the works affected traffic?

Parking is suffering the most: near medical facilities, pharmacies and shops on Kritis, it has become increasingly difficult to find a space, and some drivers are moving to other streets because of congestion.

Additional traffic is spilling onto Androklis Street, where the burden is also increasing and complaints are coming from residents and businesses.

According to locals, employees of offices and clinics sometimes even go out into the street to help visitors find available spaces for temporary parking.

What is the work plan?

The project includes stormwater drainage, new road surfacing in line with accessibility standards, an updated traffic scheme and road signs, as well as new parking spaces along the road and upgrades to utility networks. The works are being carried out under Cyprus’s Recovery and Resilience Plan with EU support through the NextGenerationEU programme.

The repair on Kritis Street is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing roadworks in central Nicosia. A number of urban improvement projects funded by the European Union are being implemented in the city at the same time — from the old town to the moat. Businesses have already faced months-long closures and a drop in customer traffic. The new section is adding further pressure to the city centre.