Transport Malta pledges to stick to deadlines on Gozo-Malta tunnel studies

Transport Malta has promised that it will stick to the deadline regarding geological studies that will assess the feasibility of a tunnel between Malta and Gozo.

During a meeting with tunnel activists Front Favur il-Mina, Transport Malta chairman James Piscopo said that seismic studies should be starting “very soon” after the tender deadline and coring should be completed by mid-next year.

In a statement, the Front quoted Piscopo as saying the studying process will be ongoing and shall continue even after the conclusion of such studies, during the design stage of the tunnel.

“He also stated that the exact places chosen for the boreholes were learned ones, after consultations with experts in the field,” the Front said. “The chairman also said that the University of Malta will play a major part in these geological studies, where the studies will be carried out in collaboration with Transport Malta.”

As announced in the 2017 Budget, the geological tests will commence next year and the government will draft what could become a public call for businesses interested in building and operating the tunnel.