The new Larnaca Dhekelia road has opened to traffic after some 26 years of planning, with authorities on Thursday heralding the €14.8 million project as a major upgrade for accessibility and tourism in the area.

The third phase of the project delivers a 3.25-kilometre main road with four traffic lanes, together with 4.5 kilometres of service roads.

District public works engineer Lazaros Lazarou said the entire 3.3-kilometre main road had been opened to traffic on July 24, ending at the roundabout leading to Pyla.

He said the remaining service roads, which were added to the project after changes to the original contract, are expected to be completed by the end of October.

Lazarou acknowledged that the project had experienced significant delays but said these were justified and stressed there were “no contractual problems with the contractor”.

Construction began on September 30, 2022, and was originally scheduled for completion in March 2025.

Following an extension to the contract, the project was completed on July 16 this year.

Lazarou described the scheme as particularly important for Larnaca, saying it would encourage new investment and improve road safety.

He added that the inclusion of modern cycle lanes reflects the growing role of cycling in European cities.

Larnaca commerce chamber (Keve) president Nakis Antoniou welcomed the opening, saying, “Finally, after many years, we have seen the Larnaca Dhekelia Road being handed over to public use.”