Works along the main carriageways of Triq Dicembru 13, Marsa have been partially suspended to March, Transport Malta said.

The authority said the works were being suspended as the scale and sensitivity of the excavations involved in the remaining phase of construction could not be done in winter.

In the meantime, not directly related to the construction of the actual underpass are continuing.  

TM said that, over the coming days, it will be removing the directional signage that had been installed for the duration of the works.

Forming part of the TEN-T network and partially funded by the European Union, once completed by the end of 2013, the Sea Passenger Underpass/Access Road will provide a direct link between Marsa and the Valletta Ring Road.

Delays were initially encountered last winter following the unearthing of archaeological discoveries which pushed the original works schedule back to the extent that the summer timeframe originally earmarked to carry out excavations had to be redefined. 

This notwithstanding, works on part of the southbound carriageway were successfully completed within the available, albeit delayed, timeframe.

TM said it is envisaged that once the works resume again in March, Triq Dicembru 13 will remain open to traffic in the direction of Valletta although the planned traffic management scheme will still necessitate the closure of the southbound carriageway.