Works on bridge edge closer

Manwel Dimech Bridge, which is due to undergo major rehabilitation over the coming year, is showing visible signs of the impending works, with specialised scaffolding now being erected to prop up the structure while work is underway.

The scaffolding will also collect any debris and water that will thus be prevented from falling into the underlying valley during the works. A Roads Ministry spokesman said the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had imposed a condition that no water used to blast the bridge's concrete piers should fall into the valley.

Works will include the reconstruction of the two viaducts that make up the bridge, rehabilitation of the piers and abutment walls holding the deck up, upgrading of the ancillary roads and rehabilitation of the valley.

Although the bridge is not expected to be completely closed for traffic at any point during the project, motorists are being encouraged to use alternative routes. In fact, a number of yellow road signs have been set up around the island indicating such alternative routes.

It is not yet known when part of the road will be closed down. The €6 million project is expected to be completed by next September.