Traffic flows smoothly in Sliema despite Bisazza Street works

Traffic was smooth around the Sliema shopping area yesterday when Bisazza Street was closed to traffic for three months in connection with a €750,000 embellishment project.

The series of yellow road signs, placed along the Sliema front and in some side roads, seemed to be effective as they cautioned drivers to avoid delays by talking other routes.

Driving along the front, in the direction of Sliema, yesterday morning was almost surreal as there were few cars driving along the popular route.

Those headed for Sliema’s centre were diverted through Tigné where signs showed them the way to the Ferries or the car park.

The Times visited the area at about 8.45 a.m., 10 a.m. and midday and found the traffic situation was calm throughout. A Transport Malta official, who was helping divert motorists, said it had been like that all morning.

Bisazza Street will be closed until the end of May except for 15 days for the Easter break. The embellishment project includes resurfacing the road with porfido tiles and increasing pedestrian space. Parking will no longer be allowed and electricity, drainage and water systems will be replaced.

A Transport Ministry spokesman said the tiling would be strong enough to support delivery vehicles and a final decision as to whether Bisazza Street would be fully pedestrianised still had to be taken.

The square located halfway down the busy shopping thoroughfare will have two fountains, decorative lighting and benches. A monument will be set up in the centre of the square featuring three late Maltese actors sitting on chairs and sipping coffee, with a fourth empty seat inviting passers-by to have their photo taken there. Free Wi-Fi will also be available in the square.