Bridge repairs: easing traffic flow

The forthcoming Regional Road Bridge project will undoubtedly aggravate the traffic problem in St Julians, particularly the Sliema-bound flow.

I have a suggestion (previously forwarded to ADT and local councils), which may mitigate present as well as impending traffic problems. By replacing the traffic lights and pelican crossing with a roundabout at the intersection of St Georges/Ross Street (similar to the system at the Rudolphe/Mrabat/D'Argens junction in Sliema), the traffic would flow more easily.

This was amply evident when the lights were switched off during the roadworks in St Julians. Then the system worked very well. Lights may regulate traffic - but do they actually help flow? A point to consider: civic cooperation proves to be more practical than the lights system which had been installed at the Regional/Sliema Roads intersection at Kappara.

In addition, the "Alighting Only" bus stop at the top of St George's Road corner with St Andrew's Road causes unnecessary stoppage, when passengers can easily get off at the appropriate bus lanes along St Andrew's Road without hassling motorists - providing bus drivers use the lanes!

Along the St Georges/St Andrews Road stretch, it is pedestrian management (if I may coin a phrase) which is the main problem. How can pedestrians be directed towards strategically placed crossings and resist the temptation of crossing at will? At times, whole processions of tourist groups and youths hold up traffic because, seeing a narrow road, think it is not a busy one!

Perhaps pedestrian flow can be guided effectively. Pedestrian barriers could be a solution, besides building well-lit subways or pedestrian bridges. Pelican crossings should be carefully placed, as they can badly hold up traffic.

The one at the bottom of Old College Hill along the Sliema seafront holds up morning traffic all the way round Balluta Bay coming from St Julians.