Alleviation of traffic congestion sees removal of traffic lights, roundabout

An €80 million project in the South of Malta is set to drastically alleviate traffic congestion in the area around the Adolorata Cemetery with the construction of two flyovers and a bridge. The traffic lights in Vjal il-Labour (before the cemetery) will be removed while pedestrian zones will be developed. The project will include bicycle lanes, increased parking area and a park and ride. Together with the landscaping, these are set to cover 45% of the project.

The project, in its entirety covers 89,000 metres square. 

The pedestrian zones (subway and bridges) and the bicycle lanes are expected to be over 1,200 metres long, which means that people coming from the direction of Rahal Gdid (Paola) could easily walk or cycle their way to the Marsa sports facilities.

A flyover will be constructed from mid Vjal Santa Lucija towards Aldo Moro, with another goingin the opposite direction.

A bridge, to serve as an exit lane, will be built in Triq il-Labour (and passing under one of the flyovers) leading towards the airports. This part of the project requires the relocation of two factories - BIM and the stainless steel factory. Talks are currently underway with the Malta Industrial Parks for this relocation.

Due to the division in traffic, vehicles coming from Kordin will flow uninterrupted towards Aldo Moro, passing under the flyovers.

According to project architect Edric Micallef, the project was effectively planned on a "choose your lane concept".

Although no time frames have yet been set, it is believed the project would take around 24 months to develop. Currently, project planning phases were being designed as Transport Malta was awaiting MEPA to consider their submissions.

Addressing the press, Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said the government was honouring its electoral promise of addressing the problem of traffic congestion that has become unbearable, especially in the South of Malta.

"Together with Transport Malta, we convinced the EU's Ten-T project coordinator that this project was necessary for Malta and that EU funds were required," Mizzi said.

Pat Cox, the Ten-T's coordinator is expected to come to Malta.

"More importantly, we are seeing this project as a regeneration of the area," the minister added.

Meanwhile, Mizzi also announced that 13 December road, direction Valletta, will be reopened and by the end of next week both sides will be fully opened.

The whole project is expected to be completed by March.