Work has started on an important upgrade to the Ayios Dometios crossing point in Cyprus. The goal is to fix serious traffic problems. The European Union is paying for the project, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is doing the work. They will add a third lane to the checkpoint, which is inside a United Nations area. The project costs €435,000 and should finish by the end of January 2026. It aims to shorten waiting times, which can be over two hours on busy weekends.
This crossing is a very important connection between communities on the island. In recent years, traffic has grown a lot, and the old roads cannot handle it. This causes long delays for drivers and affects daily life. One local resident, Panayiota, told the media, "I am forced to take a detour to get to my own house." This shows how difficult the situation has become.
The European Commission says the main aim is to help vehicles and people move more easily and safely. They believe better connections can help people on the island understand each other better. The construction work will include digging, new roads, and electrical systems. The builders know the work might cause some disruption, but they promise to reduce problems for the area.
Local businesses are hopeful about the upgrade. Many shops near the crossing have lost customers because people avoid the traffic jams. They think less traffic will help the local economy. In the end, this project is not just about shorter queues. It is about making everyday life easier and improving connections for everyone in Cyprus.