The Lija cemetery roundabout, which suffers traffic congestion for several hours every day, will be closed to traffic from Friday because of road works.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said some 200 metres of the road from the roundabout (near Bathroom Design) towards Lija Cemetery needed to be dug up for pipes to be laid as part of the flood relief project. New sewage pipes will also be laid.

Rainwater flooding and sewage overflows have affected the area for many years and Mr Mizzi said the issue could not be put off any longer.

Northbound traffic will be diverted to side service roads (near Gallerija Darmanin) while southbound traffic will be diverted through Iklin. One lane will remain open for traffic from the Balzan area to the Birkirkara bypass.

The works are expected to take about one month. Work will be carried out round the clock.

Further works will be held in the new year in the lower part of the roundabout and Balzan Valley Road.

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