Updated | Marsa flyover project approved, but PN objects to One News carpark

The Planning Authority has approved plans to build a flyover at the Marsa junction, a project intended to ease the notorious traffic congestion in the area.

The PA said that works will be carried out over nine phases and will cover an area of approximately 25,000 square metres. The works will involved the construction of a three-grade separated junction, the shifting of existing carriageways, the demolition of factories overlooking Triq il-Labour and the upgrading of existing road infrastructure together with the provision of a Park and Ride facility, street furniture and landscaping.

The arterial roads on which major upgrading works will be carried out include Vjal Santa Lucija, Vjal Sir Paul Boffa, Triq Garibaldi, Triq Aldo Moro, Triq il-Labour and Triq Hal-Qormi.

Transport minister Joe Mizzi has said that works on the Marsa junction will begin once the Kappara flyover project – currently some 40% completed - is finished.

The Planning Board unanimously approved the proposal in today’s meeting. However, the Opposition’s board member – MP Ryan Callus – criticised the fact that the park and ride carpark, which will cater for some 250 cars, will be sited right at the doorstep of One News.

“Transport Malta tweaked the roads to introduce a carpark right at the door step of Super One [sic] with the excuse that it will serve as a park-and-ride area,” he said. “This is being done with taxpayers’ money, with this government consciously misleading its people.” 

The Planning Board also approved planning permission for works to be carried out in two phases at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

The Planning Authority said that Phase 1 will include the restoration works to be carried out on the Perellos Chapel, including the removal of old cement renders and redundant metal fixings, repairing of the deffun layers, cleaning of the stone surface, pointing and the restoration of timber apertures and wrought ironwork amongst other work.

In Phase 2, works involve converting the tank room into a multi-purpose hall, including an emergency exit and ancillary facilities.