Four major roads to be re-built

Four stretches of arterial roads in Malta and Gozo will be re-built over the next year through EU co-financing.

Works on the roads, which form part of the TEN-T, the Trans-European Transport Network, are scheduled to start by the end of the month and diversion routes are already being prepared.

The projects include the airport area: Council of Europe and Garibaldi streets in Luqa, a length of 2.2km, estimated to cost €10 million and to be completed by the end of the year.

The 1.3km stretch of road in Marsa – Moll iċ-Ċangatura and Triq il-Għassara tal-Għeneb – is budgeted at €7.5 million and traffic management has been designed not to affect any major events in Valletta.

Marfa Road, 2.6km from Mellieħa to Ċirkewwa, is also scheduled for reconstruction over the next year to the tune of another €10.7 million. It should be split into two for safety reasons and include a queuing lane for times of busy channel crossings.

Gozo is also on the list, with Mġarr Road, connecting Xewkija to Victoria, lined up for reconstruction. The longest stretch, 3.1km, is budgeted at €11.9 million and should take over a year to be finished.

Because of its length and the fact that it passes by sports facilities, residential and business areas, leading to the island’s commercial hub, it has been split into three phases, with the last being carried out between January and May of next year to minimise the impact.

Among the changes proposed, a roundabout is replacing the traffic lights to improve the flow.

The government is forking out 15 per cent of the cost of these arterial roads, while the remaining 85 per cent is from the EU Cohesion Fund.

The works include digging up the roads and changing of services, as well as rubble and boundary walls. They also address aesthetics and safety measures, from landscaping to pedestrian crossings, bus shelters and street lighting.

Transport Malta deputy chairman Jonathan Vella said he was aware of the inconvenience that would be caused but said the regulator was involving stakeholders to reduce the impact.

The aim, he said, was to finish the projects within the stipulated time, according to budget and EU quality standards.

The deviation routes, which are also being upgraded, have been planned out to provide alternatives to lessen the negative effects of the works.

The traffic management plans were the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders and also took into account the public transport reform, Mr Vella said. In the case of the road to Ċirkewwa, Transport Malta has also consulted Gozo Channel on the major events that attract an influx of visitors to the sister island.

A dedicated e-mail address, euroads.tm@transport.gov.mt, and an information line, 9967 5856, have been set up for the public, who can also register on the website www.transport.gov.mt to receive alerts. The public will also be informed about diversions through the media.