The Agios Dometios crossing, a critical gateway for daily movement between the two sides of Nicosia, will be expanded through a new European Union investment aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing accessibility for both pedestrians and vehicles.
EU-funded works to upgrade the crossing
The European Union announced that it is financing the expansion within the framework of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, with implementation by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Local Infrastructure Facility.
According to the official announcement:
“The project aims to facilitate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, ensuring a smoother and safer crossing experience for all users. As one of Cyprus’s busiest crossing points, traffic has been steadily increasing over the past years. The planned extension will reduce congestion, enhance mobility and significantly decrease waiting times.”
Two construction contracts with a combined value of approximately 435,000 euro have been signed. The works include excavations, earthworks, paving, electrical and mechanical installations and the redesign of the surrounding area, all within the United Nations buffer zone. Completion is scheduled for late January 2026, with measures in place to minimise disruption during construction.
Once completed, the upgraded crossing will improve accessibility and support daily mobility, while also reinforcing dialogue and interaction across communities. The European Commission highlights that investments in shared infrastructure “strengthen cooperation, accessibility and mutual understanding across the island”.
The Road to Opening
The Agios Dometios checkpoint, also known as Metehan, is one of the key crossing points along the buffer zone. It officially opened on 9 May 2003, shortly after the first partial lifting of movement restrictions in Cyprus.
The announcement that changed movement on the island
On the evening of 23 April 2003, the Turkish Cypriot authorities unexpectedly announced that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would be allowed to cross to the other side for the first time in decades. Thousands gathered overnight at Ledra Palace, where the first checkpoint reopened under UN supervision.
Why Agios Dometios became crucial
Due to the overwhelming number of people wishing to cross and the need for a route suitable for vehicles, Agios Dometios was prepared as the first major vehicular crossing. With coordination between both sides and UNFICYP, it opened just over two weeks later, creating a more manageable flow for cars and easing pressure on Ledra Palace.
Since 2003, it has remained one of the most heavily used checkpoints on the island, serving daily commuters, families, students, workers and visitors, and has played a central role in supporting bicommunal contact.