Traffic is directed in Lija yesterday. Inset: map shows where roadworks will take place. Photo/Image: Paul Spiteri Lucas/Transport Ministry

Tarmac surrounding the busy Lija roundabout will be dug up tomorrow and the area closed to traffic for at least a month, according to Transport Minister Joe Mizzi.

Some 200 metres of the road leading from the roundabout (near Bathroom Design) towards the Lija cemetery will be excavated to replace sewage pipes, which Mr Mizzi said had long required attention.

“This area has had a problem with sewage overflowing into the street for several years now.

“This is affecting the water table and causing traffic problems, not to mention being very unsanitary. It cannot be ignored any longer,” he said.

Subterranean culverts will also be placed in a canal nearly two storeys deep in the area as part of the national flood relief project.

The roundabout is a major source of congestion in the centre of the island, with tailbacks often stretching as far back as Mosta.

Mr Mizzi apologised for the inconvenience, adding that works would be carried out round the clock as was being done in Msida and stressed that the Lija works would definitely be ready before the busy Christmas shopping period.

It will be ready before the Christmas shopping period- Transport Minister

A ministry spokesman said that, throughout the works, northbound traffic would be redirected to side service roads (near Gallerija Darmanin) and vehicles heading south would pass through Iklin cutting in to Triq Dun Karm, or the Birkirkara bypass, at the large roundabout near the Vodafone outlet in Birkirkara.

One lane will remain open for vehicles approaching the roundabout from Balzan to go towards the Birkirkara bypass.

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

Last month, Times of Malta reported that more than 200 roadwork projects had been given the thumbs up by the Transport Authority, many of which would close off side roads, often used by motorists to avoid clogged thoroughfares.