The Deryneia–Sotira road, also known as Stadium Road, has been informally opened, marking the near completion of a major infrastructure project for the free Famagusta district.
Speaking to Politis, Deryneia deputy mayor Nikos Lillis said that 95 per cent of the reconstruction works have been completed, with the project now awaiting formal delivery. Before the official handover can take place, minor damage caused to nearby homes and other properties during construction must be repaired. Restoration works are currently under way.
Lillis said the municipal authorities are awaiting a response from the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works regarding the timing of the official opening ceremony, which is expected to take place in the coming months, possibly as early as May.
He added that some of the delays encountered during the project were justified, citing the strike in the ready‑mixed concrete sector as well as significant challenges faced by the contractor during excavation works for the construction of three retention ponds. These ponds were built as part of environmental protection measures for Paralimni Lake.
The deputy mayor stressed the strategic importance of the road for the area, describing it as the main route connecting Deryneia to the motorway. The road serves schools, a refugee housing estate, an industrial zone and the Anagennisi Deryneia football stadium, while also linking inland areas with the coastal tourist region.
The road upgrade had long been a standing demand of the Famagusta district, as the old road lacked adequate infrastructure and its surface was in very poor condition. Reconstruction works began in November 2022, with an original implementation timeline of 30 months.
The project involved the upgrade of the four‑kilometre stretch linking the municipal areas of Deryneia and Sotira, alongside the construction of connecting roads with a total length of two and a half kilometres. Infrastructure upgrades and stormwater management works were also carried out, including the extension of a 1.4‑kilometre stormwater culvert through the centre of Deryneia.
Additional environmental measures were implemented to protect Paralimni Lake, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. These include the construction of three retention ponds designed to ensure the quality of water flowing into the lake.
The new road features two traffic lanes, as well as a third lane for right‑turning movements where required.