Traffic woes in the northern part of the island may start to ease if the Coast Road re-opens this morning, as expected, following extensive asphalting works on the 7.3-kilometre stretch.

In a statement, the transport watchdog said yesterday that, from 5am today, motorists would be able to drive from Salini to Pembroke in both directions. It noted that travel in “various sections” – it did not point out where – would be through the seaside carriageway for both northbound and southbound traffic.

This main thoroughfare was closed on Monday as the Transport Ministry raced against time to finish this €53 million project, which involves the reconstruction and widening of this important link.

Though it was expected to be completed before the start of summer, works fell behind schedule, with the government blaming a series of archaeological findings at Salini.

Apart from further asphalting works, Transport Malta said that, in the coming weeks, works would also start on the installation of crash barriers, street lighting and line markings.

Apologising for the inconveniences caused in recent days, it urged motorists intending to use the Coast Road to drive carefully, as works were still ongoing. Transport Malta said that, unless necessary, alternative routes through the Mġarr bypass, Triq is-Salini, in Naxxar, Mosta and Birkirkara should be considered.

The closure of the Coast Road on Tuesday caused mayhem, as hundreds of motorists at St Paul’s Bay got stuck in a massive traffic jam during the morning rush hour. As tempers flared, the police urged motorists, who had been gridlocked in traffic for about two hours, to keep calm. The situation improved on Wednesday as many opted to seek alternative routes or start their journeys earlier than usual.

A Transport Ministry spokeswoman denied a report that appeared in a newspaper yesterday saying preliminary works on the Kappara junction project were due to start, fuelling speculation of more traffic havoc.

The ministry said the line markings along the roundabout mentioned by the newspaper were related to works by Enemalta and not the planned flyover.