Environmental assessment delays Limassol-Saittas road expansion

The second phase of the Limassol–Saittas road project, specifically the Palodia–Alassa–Monagri section, remains stalled pending environmental approval. Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki confirmed to the parliamentary Transport Committee on October 22, 2026, that the project is currently under review by the Department of Environment due to the proposed route intersecting with the European Natura 2000 protected network. While the government anticipates receiving this assessment by December 2026, final environmental approval is expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

Despite the lack of a fixed construction start date, officials have indicated that the project’s feasibility study is complete and expropriation plans are ready. The ministry aims to put the project out to tender before mid-2027, provided the environmental hurdles are cleared. This infrastructure project is considered a priority to improve connectivity and road safety in the region.

Local authorities and parliamentary members have expressed frustration over years of delays, citing the hazardous conditions of the current route which have resulted in nine fatalities. Legislators have called for urgent action and increased transparency regarding timelines, with some warning that the project’s stagnation hampers rural development. The Minister of Transport emphasized that the delays are procedural and reaffirmed the government's political commitment to finalizing the work.