Road linking Luqa to Santa Lucija to get pedestrian and bicycle lane

The road linking Santa Lucija to Hal-Luqa will have a three-metre bicycle and pedestrian track, Transport Minister Ian Borg said on Monday.

The minister was speaking during a onsite visit of the ongoing works on the road, where he was accompanied by mayors of surrounding localities.

“After the road was widened in order to have two comfortable lanes in either direction last year, work is currently underway to widen the southbound carriageway by around three additional metres to create a segregated pedestrian and cycling track,” Borg said.

The minister emphasised that the road had never had any form of pedestrian path, adding that this was part of the work being carried out by the government to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.

Borg said pedestrian and cycling bridges were planned in other areas including Vjal l-Avjazzjoni, Blata l-Bajda and the Central Link Project. Additional pedestrian crossings will be included in the Marsa Junction Project, the minister said, also pointing out that a similar track was also being included in Triq Bormla, known as taċ-Ċawsli, between Żejtun and Żabbar.

The minister made reference to other projects currently being undertaken by the government, insisting that a holistic approach was being adopted in drawing up and executing such plans.

“The Government’s infrastructural commitment is evident in the way we are working and planning. 2019 will be filled with several different projects, including the third phase of the Marsa Junction Project, the Santa Luċija roundabout and tunnels project, the beginning of the Central Link Project, other projects in main roads such as Triq Sant Andrija, Triq Reġjonali, Triq San Tumas and Triq Ħal Qormi, and the €100 million investment in the country’s residential roads,” Borg said. 

“I feel that starting the year by announcing a project towards facilities for alternative means is very symbolic; it clearly represents this Government’s vision for the future.”