Transport Malta has apologised for a major traffic jam between Marsa, Tal-Qroqq and Kappara which this morning left hundreds of motorists fuming.

It said that yesterday it received a request for emergency works to be carried out by Enemalta at Racecourse Street in Marsa (at the bottom of Dec 13 Road).

It issued a permit for the works to be carried out between 7 p.m and 6a.m.

"For reasons beyond Transport Malta's control, the works by Enemalta were not completed within the given time-frame and were continued this morning," TM said.

"Transport Malta while apologising for any inconvenience caused, notifies that traffic notices for emergency works are not usually published or announced."

It said it would be addressing the issue with Enemalta in a bid to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

The first warning motorists received this morning was when the police issued a traffic congestion warning shortly after 8 a.m.

Traffic flow along Regional Road heading towards Marsa was reduced to one lane and motorists were asked by the police to seek alternative routes.