A road tunnel network for the Paceville and St George’s Bay area is one of several options under study as developers plan a high-rise mecca.
The Transport Ministry confirmed that “all options” would be assessed when asked whether the government was actively studying the creation of a tunnel network.
The Times of Malta is informed that some developers who plan to erect high-rise buildings in the area have explored linking their private underground car parks directly to Regional Road.
In this way, traffic to their commercial and retail establishments will have a direct underground link to the main artery, avoiding congestion in St George’s Bay and Paceville. The Paceville junction on Regional Road and the entrance to Pembroke are controlled by traffic lights, making them unsuitable for large volumes of traffic.
Moreover, the only exit from Paceville is Ross Street, just outside the Hilton Hotel.
At least eight high-rise buildings and several medium-rises are being planned for the area by different developers trying to tap the market for luxury apartments and high-end office space. The projects include five- and six-star hotels.
The plans have raised concern over the impact they will have on existing public infrastructure, including roads and sewage.
Several experts have warned against a piecemeal approach, urging for the projects to be evaluated as part of a holistic plan for the area.
The Transport Ministry referred this newspaper to the Planning Authority, which it said was creating a development plan and transport strategy for the Paceville area when asked about plans to upgrade Regional Road along the Paceville-St Andrews stretch.
“Transport Malta is providing technical guidance to the Planning Authority and their consultants on traffic, road infrastructure and sustainable mobility issues,” a spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, the Planning Auth-ority confirmed it has engaged a British consultancy firm to help it draw up a masterplan for the area that tackles various issues aside from road infrastructure.
“In the coming weeks, the authority will be issuing a public consultation on a number of options, after which the authority will proceed to assess the submissions and finalise the local plan review as required by law,” a spokesman said.
Once this plan is approved, he added, the authority will carry out the necessary screening for the Strategic Environment Assessment as also required by law.
kurt.sansone@timesofmalta.com