South-bound Coast Road traffic will be diverted to t’Alla u Ommu Hill from Thursday as work finally starts on the stretch of the Coast Road near the Salina salt pans.

The works had been halted following the discovery of archaeological remains.

Transport Malta said today it has received the approval of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage on the method of construction of this part of the road. A contingency plan is also in place in case of further discoveries.

"This means that works at the Coast Road project can proceed to the final phases," Transport Malta said.

The remaining works include excavation, the drilling of a number of piles, the laying of concrete and the formation of foundation and slabs. This will be followed by the formation of the road and asphalting.

TM said it will not be possible for cars to drive south through a small stretch of this road. Southbound drivers will instead be diverted around the area through the t’Alla u Ommu road and then into Maghtab to join the nearly completed part of the Coast Road. The south bound traffic will thus be using the same route which has been used by the northbound traffic for some time.

The diversion starts on Thursday at around noon. The diversion is the best alternative to avoid potential congestion in the Naxxar and Iklin intersections for those travelling south, TM said.

Transport Malta appealed to motorists to follow the signs, use the southbound Coast Road through the Magħtab access road and to drive safely within the speed limits.