Tender issued to collect geological data on Malta-Gozo channel

Transport Malta has issued a tender to gather geological data on the sub-surface of the Malta-Gozo Channel, as studies on the possible development of a tunnel connecting the two islands intensify.

The winning contractor will conduct geotechnical investigations at various locations on land and in the channel, with drilling expected to reach approximately 200m below sea bed level in some areas. 

The extracted core samples will aid in establishing the geological formations of the area, which will eventually determine the feasibility of constructing a tunnel.   

Transport Malta said that the investigations forming part of this tender are part of wider studies being commissioned in order to gather information on the sub-surface conditions of the proposed tunnel route between Malta and Gozo and ultimately establish a geological model of the area under investigation. “The model will in turn form the basis for the Conceptual Design of the tunnel,” Transport Malta said.

The transport watchdog said that the government has embarked on a long-term strategy to address problems Gozitan commuters face everyday. Between the year 2000 and 2010, the number of vehicles crossing increased by 4.1% each year.

In 2010 an average of 1,500 vehicles crossed each day in each direction.

Last year, figures released by the National Statistics Office showed that a total of 1,348,502 vehicles made the crossing. This reflected an increase of 23% over the 2010 traffic.

“The study is a major milestone in the process to eventually establish a fixed link between Malta and Gozo,” Transport Malta said.

Whilst addressing the national youth parliament, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil proposed the development of a train connecting the two islands.