Repair work begins on Nicosia storm-water culvert under Digenis Akritas Avenue

Construction crews began essential repair and reinforcement works on a 50-year-old storm-water culvert beneath Digenis Akritas Avenue in Nicosia on Monday, October 5, 2026. The infrastructure, which encloses the Vasilopotamos (or Kotsirka) river, has suffered from significant corrosion and concrete degradation due to age and heavy daily traffic, prompting officials to categorize the site as a safety hazard. Konstantinos Parmaklis, director of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (DLGO), noted that without intervention, there is a risk of road collapse under the weight of heavy vehicles.

The project, valued at approximately 2.3 million euros, is funded two-thirds by the state and one-third by the Nicosia DLGO. Work is scheduled to span 28 weeks across four distinct phases. The initial phase, which involves lane closures between Kallipoleos, Larnakos, Protagorou, and Alkamenous streets, is expected to continue until December 4, 2026. This phase includes drilling for ground support and structural reinforcement of the culvert's internal sections. While officials acknowledge the significant traffic disruption the project will cause, they emphasize that these measures are critical to preventing a structural failure that could endanger motorists.