The barriers preventing access to the southbound carriageway of the St Paul's Bay bypass have finally been removed and the road opened to traffic - nine years after it had collapsed, following illegal excavations.
Its inner lane was kept closed as a precautionary measure while contractors Polidano Brothers repaired the damage caused through excavations on their site, which is adjacent to the bypass.
The bypass first collapsed in 2000 following illegal works carried out in the adjacent land belonging to Polidano Brothers but illegal excavations kept on going and the site gave way again two years ago. This time the collapse left a neighbouring house jutting out in mid-air as the earth beneath its foundations slid downhill.
In the meantime, the whole bypass underwent a major overhaul in 2007, but the stretch of collapsed road remained partly closed to traffic, sectioned off with barriers, forcing vehicles into a single lane at the beginning of the road. In April, the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) asked for the construction of reinforcement structures, known as fin walls, for added strength to the support below the bypass, built to prevent further landslides.
But until last April, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority could not say when Polidano Brothers' illegally-excavated site would be restored, two years after a damning inquiry report concluded that the construction magnates were allowed to "do as they please" in the area.
Road to perdition
July 2000.
Part of St Paul's Bay bypass caves in following excavation works on adjacent private land, owned by contractors Polidano Brothers.
February 2001.
Barricades are set up on the bypass. ADT says the road collapsed after contractors over-excavated the land due to the high clay content. St Paul's Bay local council says costs of repairs will run into hundreds of thousands of euros.
January 2004.
Repairs to road will cost about €8.2 million. The government announces that parts of the road will be rebuilt using EU funds.
January 2006.
There is a second collapse which further damaged the bypass and left a neighbouring house jutting perilously in mid-air as the earth beneath its foundations literally slid away.
April 2006.
ADT still unable to quantify cost of repairs and an audit report criticises the planning authority for allowing developers to "do as they please".
May 2006.
ADT estimates the damage will cost over €1 million and says the responsibility has still not been shouldered. The government states that the second phase of reconstruction of the bypass will only start once the damaged part is buttressed.
May 2007.
The government announces the road will open even though works are not complete. However, the part where the road collapsed in 2000 remains closed.
June 2007.
Opposition Leader Alfred Sant calls on Minister Jesmond Mugliett to explain why the original budget exceeded by €1.1 million and argues that the delay is harming tourism. Polidano Brothers claim responsibility for the collapsed part of the road and agree to carry out repairs at their expense. During a visit on site, Mr Mugliett says he expected repairs to be ready by September. However, the road remains closed due to problems in the sewage system.
October 2007.
The government threatens Polidano Brothers with legal action over the unfinished section.
December 2007.
ADT announces another agreement with Polidano, who promise to start works on December 10. Dr Sant describes the situation as "shameful" and calls for Mr Mugliett's resignation.
January 2008.
The government refuses to give a deadline on the repair works and the road remains closed.
February 2009.
Part of the road remains closed.
April 2009.
Excavated site collapses again late at night. Area is closed off and reopens a few hours later.