Congestion persists at Ayios Dhometios crossing despite €435,000 EU-funded expansion

Despite the completion of a €435,000 EU-funded expansion project at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point, significant traffic congestion was reported on Wednesday. According to the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris Postasi, morning queues for students and workers traveling to government-controlled areas frequently exceed 60 minutes. The traffic tailbacks reportedly stretch to a nearby roundabout, as documented by photographs within the buffer zone. The upgrade project, completed in late January by the UN Development Programme, added traffic lanes, a pedestrian corridor, and improved lighting. UN Special Representative Khassim Diagne previously noted that while infrastructure was improved, increased staffing at control booths remains essential for better flow. The project was overseen by the bicommunal technical committee on crossing points. Currently, the crossing remains the island's busiest, operating near maximum capacity. No official response has been issued regarding further measures to alleviate the ongoing delays.