Works began today to open a third traffic lane at the Agios Dometios checkpoint, nearly two years after the government announced the project, as residents report being trapped in unbearable traffic outside their own homes.
The widening project was one of 14 measures announced on 26 January 2024 to ease chronic congestion at the crossing point. But residents say the delays have left them struggling daily with traffic chaos and constant noise pollution, even during quiet hours, as vehicles queue for hours.
Residents have taken to social media to complain that they are frequently unable to turn into their own streets, with roads transformed into “transit thoroughfares”. They report constant honking and shouting from frustrated drivers, and say complaints to police and the municipality result in one authority blaming the other.
Works in the free areas started on 22 January 2025 and finished last summer. The project, costing €370,000 plus VAT, includes a third lane towards the occupied areas, a new checkpoint, pavements, a shelter, and hygiene facilities for staff. The new lane has lighting installed.
The road has not opened because works inside the buffer zone remained incomplete. The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is responsible for these works, which involve widening approximately 300 metres of the two-way road in the buffer zone.
A contractor began moving equipment to the site two days ago, sources said. An UNFICYP spokesperson confirmed to Phileleftheros that the road widening is the responsibility of the UN Development Programme and will start today. Completion is estimated to take between two and four months.
Agios Dometios Deputy Mayor Constantinos Giangou said the municipality has sent letters to all relevant authorities about the chronic problem affecting residents’ quality of life. However, he added, the issue stems from insufficient checkpoint staffing, particularly when staff are absent.
“We’ve seen over time that when both checkpoints operate and are adequately staffed, there’s no problem, and now a third checkpoint is being prepared,” Giangou said. He noted that according to the latest update from the United Nations, an estimated two to three months are still needed.
Giangou said that even if the third checkpoint opens, the problem will not be solved without adequate staffing. Two crossing points currently do not operate all hours, he said. According to estimates, both checkpoints need eight officers per shift—24 people per 24 hours—and they must be experienced, he added.
Giangou also said traffic policing and checks are needed, as traffic rules are not being followed, particularly at the controlled square just before the checkpoint, which is the main entrance and exit for area residents.
Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos said instructions are to open all checkpoints at least during peak hours and serve passing drivers immediately. He added that staffing is adequate to carry out the work. Asked whether the third checkpoint will be manned with existing staff, he said that if existing personnel cannot cope, additional staffing will be provided.
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