Works on Marsascala bypass to start today

Reconstruction works on the much-maligned Marsascala bypass should start today, according to a transport authority spokesman, who promised a coordinated plan of action for this road.

A spokesman said the authority will have a proper traffic management plan in place while the work is going on and quality assurance will be a priority.

But the project, which is co-financed by the EU structural funds, will not just include the bypass itself, which was recently chosen by The Times readers as Malta's second worst road in Malta.

In all, the reconstruction will cover three kilometres of roads, which include the upgrading of adjacent roads. The same roads (primarily the old Marsascala road) will be used as diversion routes while work on the main bypass is carried out. The works will also include the laying of new services, including a storm water culvert, new traffic signs and street lighting.

The target date for completion is April next year.

The transport authority spokesman said all stakeholders were consulted before the project was given the final seal of approval. Given the demands of the shops and restaurants in the area, in fact, a special schedule was drawn up to account for suppliers.

Preliminary works will include upgrading of deviation routes such as Triq San Ġużepp, Triq Wied iz-Ziju and the old Marsascala road.

The project has been in the offing for years, however last February the transport authorities were prompted into emergency action after heavy rainfall in December and January exacerbated the situation, with potholes forming throughout the island.

The Marsascala bypass was one of the roads which received emergency patching, following complaints by motorists.

The Times had called on people to name the worst 10 roads on the island. The Marsascala bypass was only just beaten by Sliema Road in San Ġwann which claimed the dubious title of worst road in Malta. The third and fourth finalists were the Ħal Far road and Qortin road in Mellieħa.