I have to have a go at whoever took the decision to start road works on the Regional Road Bridge late last month. All the more so as I watch my favourite team having to struggle to beat an inferior FC Galati in the Champions League.

For years I hoped that one day I would see this stretch of road resurfaced, its side protective barriers rebuilt, and the dangerous water culverts that traverse the bridge levelled out to avoid a major accident.

A few years back I had thought the issue would be tackled, as the infamous Regional Road Bridge revamping project funded by the EU got under way amid much controversy. Much to my dismay the stretch of road in question was left out.

Not even the narrow escape of a microvan driver who nearly drove off the bridge onto the road beneath was enough for Transport Malta or the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to spring into action. The best they could do then was put up a few temporary barriers.

But lo and behold, quicker than any Red Bull pit stop, a sign appears in big white letters on a red background indicating works-in-progress and the narrowing of the road with possible delays. And this on the same day schools officially opened their scholastic year, when all hell breaks loose on our roads, when road rage reigns supreme, when traffic already moves way too slow, and when many drivers seem to develop a phobia to rain.

It must have been intentional. There is no way this timing can be put down to sheer misfortune, coincidence or bad planning.

The timing is so precisely wrong, that it must have been deliberate.

The only consolation really is that after a whole three months of traffic-free summer, the advent of winter, the opening of the schools and the inefficiency of Arriva have brought enough delays on our roads to absorb the chaos these roadworks would have caused on their own merit.

I just hope that at least the works are completed and done well first time round and I ask readers to nominate the people responsible for the planning of these road works and the planning of the new (old now) bus routes for a national reward.

In the meantime it’s more of those dreadful breakfast shows on my car radio.

motoring@timesofmalta.com