Obviously when one considers the number of architects working within Transport Malta who have a Master’s degree in various aspects of road technology plus a more-than-adequately-qualified architect as head of Traffic Management, we should have a road system like none other.
As a retired consultant in Traffic Management within the ADT and then Transport Malta, I must confess to being surprised at various aspects of road and road furniture management.
My big fear at the moment is that even with European funding, the extra cash needed to finish the expansive Coast Road project will cause ‘over-runs’ to the detriment of all other works on arterial and distributor roads (the two areas directly controlled by Transport Malta).
A case in point is the absolutely dreadful state from Mistra to the Selmun roundabout on route Number 1. This is after motorists experienced the excitement of avoiding a broken wheel on the Xemxija Hill.
Why is it seemingly impossible to place manhole covers flush with the surrounding road surface?
Every once in a while the road from Golden Bay to Manikata is used, not for pleasure, but out of necessity. The narrow uphill section leading into the village had most useful signage giving right of way to vehicles proceeding uphill (years ago it was taught that vehicles going uphill had priority over vehicles going downhill).
With the removal of the signs the hill has become aggressively dangerous as large vehicles regularly perambulate up and down and no one gives way.
Until recently, when one of the frequent incidents took place, vehicles could use the concreted escape road leading uphill from the last crossroads. Someone with a devilish sense of humour has blocked the top of this road where it joins Triq Il-Mejiesa. What absolute brilliance, a few moments work; a few bollards and two fingers can be raised in absolute defiance to all the rules of sanity – in a motoring context.
Why is it seemingly impossible to place manhole covers flush with the surrounding road surface
It must also be noted that a long-proposed, but very short bypass has been constructed to take vehicles away from the recreation area and car park opposite Manikata church.
This 100-metre stretch of road is considerably wider than the rest of Mellieħa Road, which makes me wonder whether the whole section as far as the roundabout on the Mellieha Bypass is due to be widened. This would make total sense as more and more vehicles are using this valuable shortcut from Mosta, Żebbiegħ and Mġarr when the sister island is to be visited, or even an enjoyable day at Għadira beach is planned.
Talking of the sister island, I recently became encapsulated on the narrow, one-way section of the Ċirkewwa Road. We all know the section, magnificently guarded with Armco safety barriers and a certain amount of disgruntlement should someone break down in this area. I spent 20 minutes waving to acquaintances happily battling up the dual carriageway from Marfa towards Mellieħa.
I say ‘happily’ because I was simply test-driving a new car without any need to catch a ferry. Other motorists appeared to be of a certain choleric disposition, shouting abuse at the driver of the cause of this temporary inconvenience.
Now were a large vehicle to get a puncture that required a change of wheel it would take time for some expert in traffic management to appear, allowing the trapped vehicles to reverse before being sent down the pleasantly surfaced road that takes one to Paradise Bay and then Ċirkewwa.
Where are these well-trained chaps when push turns to shove? One would assume that the Mellieħa police are fully trained in traffic control.
If they are, they are the only car-bound group I can think of. Motorcycle police, that rare breed of an ever-decreasing band, were frankly most competent when it came to sending traffic in the right direction, but in all honesty, I for one, can motor for hundreds of kilometres without ever seeing a motorcycle ‘cop’.
Dr Timothy Gambin provided interesting proof in his PhD dissertation that the soil in the valley of Burmurrad is, from memory, 17 feet deep. The diggers at work in the fields adjacent to the trees in that section from Kennedy Grove towards the traffic lights will probably find seawater before solid foundations. Good luck.
Look most carefully at this month’s photograph. It provides the reason why traffic should not be allowed to turn right into and out of Kennedy Drive.
It’s a dreadful area on weekends and when people are going home from work.