Transport Malta has launched an investigation into why a crane blocked a lane along the Xemxija bypass without a permit yesterday morning, causing lengthy traffic jam.
As a rule, Transport Malta discourages non-urgent works before 9am during weekdays
The crane, located close to the Buġibba roundabout to remove a billboard, led motorists to complain of a “traffic nightmare” with tailbacks of more than a kilometre.
They said there were no wardens or any Transport Malta officials controlling the traffic.
Transport Malta said the nature of the work did not appear to justify emergency procedures and consequently a permit was required.
“We are currently investigating the matter. As a rule, Transport Malta discourages non-urgent works before 9am during weekdays,” the authority said, reacting to the photo that appeared on timesofmalta.com showing the crane blocking one of the lanes at 8.30am.
Other motorists complained about long traffic jams under the Santa Venera tunnels, which also caused tailbacks as far as the Birkirkara bypass.
Asphalting work on the Santa Venera bypass took place between Tuesday and Wednesday night, with the road being re-opened again at 5am.
Transport Malta said the delays were not related to this work, but failed to offer an explanation. The work continued again last night and the road was due to be re-opened early this morning.
Meanwhile, Transport Malta yesterday announced that Valley Road will be closed from 9am today so that the final layer of asphalt can be laid out between the VAT Department and the Falzon Service Station.
This section of the road had been damaged in the storm two weeks ago and needed to be rebuilt.
Traffic from Birkirkara will be diverted to Fleur-de-Lys Road and Psaila Street or to St Roque Street and Birkirkara Bypass.
Traffic from the lower part of Valley Road, Msida, will be diverted to the slip road near Pantalesco towards the Psaila Street roundabout or the slip road to Regional Road (near Vella Falzon bathrooms).
Access to the showrooms located along Valley Road will be permitted up to Falzon Service Station.
Buses 43 and 44 from Valletta will be diverted to the slip road near Pantalesco towards the roundabout junction at Psaila Street and will commute via Psaila Street, Fleur-de-Lys Road and Valley Road.