The estimated cost of infrastructural works on the Salina Coast Road rose from €49 million to €53 million in the space of three months.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi told at a press conference in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq yesterday the project­ – which involved the widening of a 7.5-kilometre stretch – was estimated to cost about €53 million and take 60 weeks to complete.

Although he would not give a precise date for the completion of works, Mr Mizzi said the road should be finished by May 2015.

Replying to a parliamentary question in February, the minister had told Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina the works, which started about four weeks ago, would cost €49 million and would be completed in the last months of next year.

Mr Mizzi told the press yesterday the government was trying to instil a new culture in road building by insisting with contractors to stick to deadlines and budget.