A major project aimed to mitigate traffic problems in the south was announced by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi this morning.

Addressing a news conference near the Addolorata Cemetery, Mr Mizzi said the project was in line with the Labour Party’s promise to give priority to the traffic problems of the south in its electoral manifesto.

The €70 million to €80 million project is over 89,000 square metres of land in the Addolorata Cemetery area.

It is aimed to regenerate the area through the removal of roundabouts, traffic lights and zebra crossings from the main arteries replacing these with a number of flyovers where traffic would be directed to the same area in the same direction.

The project would include 1,200 metres of pedestrian zones and cycling tracks and a park and ride with space for 250 cars. Landscaping, pedestrian zones, cycling tracks and the parking area will cover 45 per cent of the land earmarked for the project.

People coming from the direction of Paola would have direct access to the Marsa sports facilities.

Flyovers from Sta Lucia to Aldo Moro and in the opposite direction would be developed and, in Labour Road there would be an exit lane to the airport. Traffic from Corradino would pass from under these two bridges where there would also be public transport lanes.

The minister said that following consultation with Malta Industrial Parks it was decided that the project should include the relocation of two factories in Labour Street.

Mr Mizzi would not commit himself to when the project would start saying that this depended on how long it took for Mepa to issue the necessary permits. He said, however, that it would take two years to complete.

The minister also announced that part of December 13 Road is to be reopened tomorrow. The road will be reopened completely next week.

The Marsa project plans can be seen in the pdf links below.