Updated 4.40pm with Transport Malta reaction

A team of men were seen working last night on the Marsa-Ħamrun flyover, just 10 days after the Times of Malta raised the alarm about its detoriating condition.

Transport Malta said that its contractor was removing weakened concrete areas, that were in danger of coming down, will apply a protective layer on the metal reinforcement and will re-plaster all the areas. The concrete had been weakened by the elements and emissions.

Watch: Marsa-Ħamrun flyover debris worries safety expert

The falling debris, cracks and exposed ribs had already been reported by the newspaper in 2004.

Read: Experts differ over state of Qormi bridge

Transport Malta last week reassured the public that it regularly monitored and inspected the national road network "to implement the necessary upgrades, maintenance or repairs and avoid safety risks, damage or other consequences”.

It did not refer to any shortcomings on the flyover but it did acknowledge that it was slated for upgrade: “Transport Malta is considering options to determine the most viable way forward to upgrade it as part of the ongoing commitment to constantly improve the quality of the Maltese road infrastructure.”

Today, Transport Malta said it was compiling a specialised technical report on how the bridge in Qormi can be improved. The authority is also planning an upgrade and a reconstruction of the road between the Marsa-Ħamrun Bypass and Triq Aldo Moro. The upgrade is expected to be completed in the coming years. It will include the existing structure - which will possibly be rebuilt."

The bridge was developed in the 1950s.