For those who are unfamiliar with the local geography, the road through Topolia, which is the main route for access to Elafonisi from the north, follows a winding path alongside the Topolia Gorge, in places deeply cut into the overhanging rock, before entering a narrow single-lane tunnel which is controlled by traffic lights at each end. From the village of Topolia onward overtaking is impossible, and the alternate flows governed by the traffic lights lead to long queues in summer. The situation has long cried out for an alternative, and in 2014, with a route agreed and permits obtained, work on the Topolia bypass finally began.