There has been more talk recently about the building ofa suspension bridge between Malta and Gozo. Apart from the immense cost, those in favor of a bridge must bear in mind that during certain months of the years it would have to be closed for long periods due to strong winds.

Between March and the middle of May this year the winds have been strong and consistent and perhaps even more so in the future as the world heats up. All suspension bridges throughout the world have to be closed in high winds due to the lateral movement of the suspended section and the danger it imposes. In a recent editorial, the Times of Malta asked why not here if they can build a bridge between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, in Canada.

The difference is that the Confederation Bridge rests on 62 concrete piers sitting on some of the oldest and hardest rock on the planet and not the sandstone/limestone base of these island. Besides, the Confederation Bridge is a multi-span beam bridge and not a suspension bridge. Yet, notwithstanding its solid construction it has to be closed at times. The Confederation Bridge cost one billion Canadian dollars. Its operating costs have also proven expensive. Warranty repairs for asphalt adherence and the complete replacement of all deck lighting because they were sheared off during high winds have cut into profits.

Although the lifespan of the bridge over the Northumberland Strait is estimated at just over 100 years, the water is not nearly as corrosive as the Mediterranean Sea. Concrete balconies collapse here, never mind concrete bridges with steel reinforcing. And who will pay for this bridge? There would certainly have to be a toll charge. The toll charged for the Confederation Bridge is €33.48 for a car and €12.66 for a motorcycle. Considerably more than what we pay for the Gozo ferries and they only rarely shut down because of high winds.