Traffic should not be re-routed away from central Sliema - Midi
Midi p.l.c. has expressed its disagreement with proposals to re-route traffic away from central Sliema towards Tigné Point.
In a statement, Midi said recent comments concerning a possible rerouting of the Sliema traffic scheme implied that Midi was somehow in favour of rerouting traffic away from Bisazza Street and Tower Road in order to benefit their new retail mall, The Point.
“We are certainly not lobbying for a scheme that proposes to divert traffic from either Bisazza Street or Tower Road, let alone both of them, towards Tigné as this will simply push traffic that would have otherwise circulated in the general Ferries/Tower Road/Bisazza Street area towards the already busy Tigné peninsula,” Ben Muscat, chief executive officer said.
“We have always maintained that it would be preferable to have both Bisazza Street and Tower Road, as well as the Tigné tunnel open and available so that motorists could select their preferred route as they used to do in the past. We believe that this solution will result in less traffic and congestion for all.”
Referring to the Tigné tunnel, Mr Muscat said Midi constructed the Tigné tunnel to the original size and specifications as one of the infrastructural works that it was obliged to carry out under its lease agreement contractual obligations with the government.
Midi formally transferred the tunnel to the government in April 2008 and was not involved in discussions with the government or its representatives concerning its traffic strategy for Sliema other than on how this dovetailed with other works in Tigné Point.
He said it would have been desirable if The Point could be accessed from the Qui-si-Sana side in addition to the Tigné Seafront side (by the Fortina Hotel).
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F. Buttigieg
Mar 18th 2010, 22:19
While “Midi constructed the Tigné tunnel to the original size and specifications as one of the infrastructural works that it was obliged to carry out under its lease agreement contractual obligations with the government”, I stand to be corrected but Midi has omitted to point out that the tunnel was shifted by them to make way for increased development thus introducing a very sharp bend within the tunnel. They also omitted to state that they took over 50% of C. Scerri Street for their project. So much to selecting one’s preferred route.
Is Midi now worried that all the traffic being introduced to Tigne by the mega projects could have negative effects on their retail outlets and residential development?
They might not be lobbying for a scheme that proposes to divert traffic, but this press release sure looks like lobbying towards advertising their new mall.
carlo magri
Mar 18th 2010, 19:40
closing bisazza str. and leaving only the tunnel open is a big security risk,,,
imagine people waiting for a bus in qui si sanain weather like two weeks ago;
pedestriianization would lead to shops extending thier hours with possibility for coffee shops,etc, chairs,music and the whole lot
IT IS BEST TO LET THE FLOW NOT THROMBOSIS....ask your body
C Cassar
Mar 18th 2010, 14:39
Bisazza Street and Tower road in the same section should definetly be pedestrianised. They are both a serious health hazard at the moment. The road leading to Tigne Point from Tower road is now being widened and is much more suitable to take the current and future traffic load. Motorists should definetly not be given a choice of routes. It only takes another 1 minute to drive around the Tigne Point and back round to the Ferry area.
Just imagine the pedestrianised areas of Bisazza Street and Tower Road, a number of new cafes, tableas and chairs instead of choling traffic. Maybe some nice new trees/plants, kind of an extension of St Annes square all the way up these streets.
It's a no braner.
Maureen Ehlinger
Mar 18th 2010, 13:43
References to local plans:
http://www.mepa.org.mt/local_plans/nhlp/maps/SJ3.jpg;
http://www.mepa.org.mt/local_plans/nhlp/maps/SJ1.jpg
Phil Humphries
Mar 18th 2010, 12:32
"Midi p.l.c. has expressed its disagreement with proposals to re-route traffic away from central Sliema towards Tigné Point."
Well, I am surprised ! Now why would Midi object to traffic being routed towards such a beautiful and prestigous development ? Surely, the more people see it, the more units they will sell ? ( pause to remove tongue from cheek ).
It's such a pity that nobody envisaged the problems this development might cause before the permits were issued. ( Sorry, tongue appears to be stuck ).
Anyone care to predict who'll win this one ?
P. Schembri
Mar 18th 2010, 12:29
I wonder why Midi doesn't want the traffic re-routed? Does it have the price of its property in mind?
A. Slater
Mar 18th 2010, 12:09
"Happy shoppers buy more"
...but wise shoppers buy online
J Azzopardi
Mar 18th 2010, 10:58
I never understood why aren't Bisazza Str and (the retail section of) Tower Rd were never pedastrianised? That would give shoppers some fresh air and more liberty to walk! Happy shoppers buy more ;-)