First layer of tarmac for Targa Gap road

The first phase of the complete reconstruction and realignment of Triq Buqana, l/o Mosta, is in its final stages and contractors yesterday started laying tarmac on the road.

The first layer of tarmac, the base course, along this road, which stretches 1.1km, should be completed and the road open to traffic by January.

The binding layer and the wearing course will then follow once the entire road is constructed up to base course level.

Once the quality control methods certify that the construction of this stretch of road meets the required standards, the contractor will be able to push ahead with a similar process on other parts of the road.

This project, which is titled Lot 1 and covers Targa Gap to the Mtarfa Military Cemetery, forms part of the three different stretches of road being reconstructed and financed by the Fifth Italo-Maltese Protocol.

Lot 1 alone costs around Lm3.5 million and will include three main phases, which will all be finalised by the end of next year.

The Italian contractor assigned to Lot 1 is Ergon Engineering, with Polidano Brothers Ltd as subcontractors.

The work started in June and despite unforeseen problems, such as repairing the bridge over Chadwick Lakes and utilities, the contractors are well in advance of original projections.

The work on the road in question includes the shifting of services such as water, electricity and cable television, the construction of stormwater culverts below the surface, installation of provisions to supply water for drip irrigation systems in adjacent fields as well as the construction of rubble walls all along.

The entire process is being monitored closely by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and Road Ministry officials.

Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett is also chairing progress meetings with the contractors employed on the roads financed by the Italian protocol on a regular basis.