Trenching works in Regional Road, a broken down van and the ill-timed painting of road markings all conspired to create the perfect traffic ‘storm’ around Msida, the Santa Venera tunnels and the Birkirkara bypass.

In what has become a frequent occurrence in the past few days, motorists stuck in traffic in the suffocating heat turned to their mobile phone to vent their frustration on social media.

Readers who called this newspaper during the morning rush hour yesterday complained it took them an hour to go through Msida because they were gridlocked in the Santa Venera tunnels, Regional Road and the Birkirkara bypass.

A barrage of criticism was levelled at the decision to carry out roadworks in the lower part of Regional Road, next to the Msida Labour Party club, and for repainting a nearby zebra crossing during rush hour.

My family and I could have easily been a statistic today

Contacted by this newspaper, a Transport Ministry spokeswoman pointed out that one of the reasons for this gridlock was a truck that broke down in Rue D’Argens, Msida.

As for the roadworks, she said these were related to the flood relief project, pointing out that no part of Regional Road would be closed.

Asked why road-marking works were not being carried out at night, the spokeswoman said the decision had been taken by the Msida local council.

Attempts to seek an explanation were futile as neither the mayor nor the council staff could be reached over the phone.

In spite of the signage, a number of near misses were reported along the Coast Road as some motorists were caught unaware that, in parts, traffic was flowing in both directions.

Meanwhile, the Coast Road’s partial reopening yesterday was greeted with mixed feelings as concerns were raised on the signage, with motorists complaining it was inadequate and could even pose risks.

Congestion in Regional Road.

Facebook group Malta Roads Traffic Updates urged drivers to be extra cautious in the stretch between the Splash and Fun Park and Magħtab. It noted that traffic was flowing in both directions on the same carriageway, even though there was no continuous white line in the middle to separate the northbound from southbound traffic.

“My family and I could have easily been a statistic today,” one motorist said. He added that he had witnessed a number of near-misses between cars, which swerved at the last moment to avoid a head-on collision.

Reacting, the Transport Ministry said that, at regular intervals along the Coast Road, signs had been placed indicating traffic flow in both directions and that overtaking was forbidden.

The spokeswoman pointed out that signs had been put up to indicate that speed limit had been reduced to 40km/h as works were ongoing.

Transport Malta said in a statement late in the afternoon, works on the Coast Road had been completed “as planned”. Asphalt was laid on a stretch exceeding one kilometre in length, meaning, it noted, that one carriageway between Xatt il-Palm, Baħar iċ-Ċaħaq and White Rocks had been completely asphalted.

Asphalt was being laid on other parts of the road and contractors were doing finishing works, ranging from line markings to crash barrier installations and light fixtures, it said.

Motorists have their say

“When is this traffic chaos going to stop? This boils down to lack of planning by the Transport Ministry.” – Joe Tabone

“More flyovers. Less roundabouts! Simple!” – John Camilleri

“It’s getting worse every day – 40 minutes stuck in Msida and still here!” – Rachel Agius

“I switched to a scooter and that is a big relief. No more traffic jams. Mornings from Rabat to Fgura by car in 45 minutes, with public transport more than an hour, by scooter, 25 minutes.” – Kenneth Muscat