The Coast Road project is expected to be taken in hand in the coming months  with completion earmarked for the end of next year, at a cost of €49 million.

Answering a parliamentary question by Toni Bezzina (PN), Transport and Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said the project would extend from the Buġibba Junction up to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Pembroke. It would be co-financed by the European Union.

The actual start date would depend on administrative and technical preparations by contractors and Transport Malta.

Two contracts have been awarded to Kosta Joint Venture, formed of Polidano Brothers Ltd, Philip Agius and Sons and  Central Asphalt Ltd and their sub-contractors; and RM Construction Ltd, formed of Bonnici Bros. Ltd, Asfaltar Ltd and Schembri Infrastructures Ltd and their sub-contractors.

According to the permit, issued in August, the project will see the reconstruction, widening and upgrading of the road from Pembroke to Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and Burmarrad.

The road will be widened by some 10m, turning it into a dual two-lane carriageway. A number of water reservoirs will be built. 

Access to the arterial road will be redesigned, including an upgrading of the entrance to the Splash and Fun Park, and the area adjacent to the Redoubt in Baħar ic-Ċagħaq. The works will also include the relocation of some trees.

The mature trees which line the Kennedy Drive in the Salina area have been incorporated into the project and will serve as a central strip. 

The road is expected to have bicycle lanes.