North Cyprus Inform

First phase of new Girne bypass should be open by April

The first five kilometres of the 11km Girne bypass is nearly ready for asphalting and should be open to traffic in April, Highways Department director Aydin Kahyalar said on Thursday.

“The first section, between the mosque by the main Lefkosa-Girne road and the Girne American University, can be asphalted as soon as a few minor problems are resolved,” said Mr Kahyalar. “However, the project is being run by Turkey and officials in Ankara will decide when completed sections will be asphalted.”

The target originally set by the Turkish Highways Department and contractors Metz Ltd for the bypass construction, which began in April, was to complete the first 7km within a year.

But Mr Kahyalar said: “We had to alter our original plan for the bypass to meet the western coastal road due to various problems. We are, however, on schedule and aim to complete the first 5km by April.”

One of the co-owners of Metz, Levent Eray, confirmed this and said: “Weather conditions on the island are very suitable for laying asphalt — the only problem is rain. If all goes well, we will be able to finish the first stage on time. But the decision for this will come from Turkey.”

He added that it would be possible to complete the next 2km of the road, up to where it meets the Girne-Alsancak road near the Erener petrol station, by August next year.

Metz is also undertaking the second stage of the northern coastal road, and Mr Eray said work had intensified on the Tatlisu-Gecitkale section.

He was confident that both road projects would be finished on time, despite hitches. “We set a target of two years for the completion of these roads . . . the work will go smoothly and they will be completed on time.”