Nicosia overpass plans stall

PLANS TO build a new overpass in Nicosia have stalled, after experts said it would be operationally restrictive.

The concerns have been voiced by private experts and mechanics, but also state officials, who feared the bridge’s arraignment, would not meet legal standards. The overpass is planned for the area around the entrance to Nicosia from the highway, near the new retail centre, which has caused calamitous traffic conditions in the area around the Nicosia hospital
An alternative idea the Communications Ministry is toying with is to raise the Stephanides roundabout near Ikea to reduce the bridge’s arraignment.

According to construction standards, the bridge’s arraignment should not exceed four per cent but the distance that needs to be covered call for a higher one.
The job will be given to a private constructor to avoid lengthy bureaucratic procedures, though the company first needs to be informed on what standards it needs to meet.
It is also expected to be a while before the government is ready to start negotiating with the chosen company, which will be in charge of designing and building the bridge.
Concerns have been voiced over the fact that there will be four roundabouts in close proximity to each other, which could possibly lead to traffic chaos and defeat the purpose of easing the problem in the capital.

The first roundabout is placed at the entrance of Nicosia, Strovolos industrial estate, the second one is by Nicosia General Hospital, the third at Stephanides and the fourth will be built to facilitate plans for the bridge.

Meanwhile, residents and businessmen in the Stavrou Avenue area are preparing for a conference, which will take place on Monday at Strovolos municipality.
Many have made it clear that they will not accept the bridge’s erection as they said it would transfer all the traffic to their area.

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