A key section of Digenis Akritas Avenue in Nicosia will close in phases starting Monday, October 5, to allow crews to repair and reinforce a critical stormwater culvert running underneath the roadway. The project, managed by the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (DLGO), will span a total of 28 weeks between Kallipoleos and Larnakos avenues, provided work proceeds without unexpected delays. This stretch serves as a vital arterial route for residents of Pallouriotissa and Kaimakli, as well as drivers leaving central Nicosia via Kallipoleos Avenue following the one-way conversion of Makarios Avenue.
During the initial phase, which focuses on the stretch from Protagorou Street to Alkamenous Street, contractors will first close one lane heading towards Larnakos Avenue before eventually shutting down both lanes. This first stage is expected to be completed by December 4, 2026. Because heavy machinery and structural work will be taking place directly beneath the street surface, the above road section must be completely sealed off for the safety of both site workers and passing motorists. Further traffic diversions and announcements for subsequent phases will be published on the DLGO website prior to launch, with officials urging drivers, local business owners, and residents to show patience.
The underlying culvert was constructed roughly 50 years ago to cover the Kotsirkas river and channel rain water under one of Nicosia's busiest corridors. Decades of constant vehicle weight, traffic vibrations, and river water flow have severely corroded the reinforced concrete structure, particularly under main junctions and heavy lorry routes. To rectify these safety risks, workers will open parts of the roof slab for ventilation and access, install temporary roof supports, clean the interior, and apply new steel reinforcement alongside sprayed concrete. Once joint repairs are finished, the openings will be sealed and the asphalt road surface will be fully restored.
Budgeted at 2,259,499 euros plus VAT, the project is two-thirds funded by the state, with the remaining balance covered by the DLGO through local stormwater fees collected from property owners. The organisation identified the deteriorating culvert as a top priority after assuming responsibility for regional drainage management. Moving forward, the DLGO plans to utilize its annual stormwater fee revenue of approximately two million euros to systematically fix high-risk flooding spots across the Nicosia district year after year.