Work has now started on an important project to improve the Ayios Dometios crossing point in Cyprus. The goal is to solve serious traffic problems that cause very long delays. The European Union is paying for the work, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is managing it. The main change will be adding a third lane to the checkpoint, which is inside a United Nations security zone. The project has a budget of €435,000 and should finish by January 2026. Officials hope this will shorten waiting times, which can sometimes be over two hours on busy weekends.
This crossing is a vital link for people moving between different parts of the island. In recent years, traffic has grown a lot, and the old facilities can no longer handle it easily. This bottleneck does not just create delays for drivers. It also disrupts daily life for local residents. One resident, Panayiota, told reporters, "I am forced to take a detour to get to my own house." This shows how the traffic problems affect the areas around the checkpoint.
The European Commission, which is providing the money, explains that the project has a wider purpose. A representative said the aim is to "facilitate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, ensuring smoother and safer passage for all users." The EU believes that better connections like this can help bring communities in Cyprus closer together. The UNDP adds that the crossing is simply too busy, which is the main practical reason for the expansion.
The construction will include digging, moving earth, new paving, and electrical work. The builders know their work might cause some disruption, and they promise to limit the impact on the area. The schedule, which lasts until 2026, shows this is a complicated job in the sensitive buffer zone.
For local businesses, this upgrade is very welcome news. Shop owners near the crossing say customers avoid the area because of the traffic, which hurts their income. They hope that reducing the congestion will help the local economy recover. In the end, the project's success will not only be seen in shorter queues. It will also be measured by its ability to connect people more easily, making everyday life simpler and fostering better interaction across the island.