Northern Ring Road a Death Trap

Nicosia - Northern Ring Road
[Nicosia – Northern Ring Road]
The Nicosia Northern Ring Road has been dangerous since its construction, causing four deaths and numerous accidents due to its dark and deserted nature. Efforts are ongoing to secure funding for lighting, Kibris Postasi reports.

Statistics show 24 traffic-related deaths in 2022, 48 in 2023, and 24 in early 2024. This road, one of the deadliest, was intended to alleviate urban and inter-district traffic when it opened in 2021, despite being tendered in 2012.

Road safety experts highlight that the road is not fully operational and lacks necessary safety measures. Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı and Traffic Accidents Prevention Association President Mehmet Zeki Avcı have discussed these issues and the urgent need for improvements.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı says that project has faced delays due to difficulties in resolving 17 intermediate orders on the Gönyeli route, with 15 resolved through dialogue and 2 through court. Lighting and a multi-level junction project on the Kyrenia-Nicosia road are planned to ease traffic congestion. Speed detection cameras will soon be operational, and measures like increased customs duties, insurance premiums, and confiscation of driving licenses for traffic offences are being considered.

Traffic Accidents Prevention Association President Mehmet Zeki Avcı has long criticised the road’s lack of lighting at junctions and roundabouts, wide structure, high-speed limits, and overgrown grass blocking visibility. He emphasised the need for regular maintenance, temporary traffic lights at the Bosphorus Junction, and comprehensive implementation of traffic regulations to enhance safety.

The road’s construction faced issues with companies abandoning projects, calling for immediate action to address the deficiencies.

Kibris Postasi

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