[WATCH] Works start on foundations for first two Marsa Junction bridges

Marsa Junction (Footage: Infrastructure Malta)

Works on the foundations of the first two flyovers part of the Marsa Junction project have started, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said.

The two flyovers will link Garibaldi Road that leads to Luqa with Aldo Moro Road. The junction project will see seven bridges built over three levels that will link the various major roads that intersect in the area.

Borg said Infrastructure Malta’s contractors were currently excavating the foundations for the first 14 of 42 concrete pillars. The columns will support 350 beams, ranging in length between 25 metres and 35 metres, over which the bridges will be constructed.

Marsa Junction project in numbers

• 3 pedestrian bridges
• 4 new bus laybys
• 7 bridges will intersect on 3 levels
• 42 pillars will support the bridges
• €70 million the cost
• 350 beams will be used
• 380 parking spaces at new park and ride
• 400 metres the length of the longest two bridges

Borg said the Marsa Junction project was the largest-ever single investment in a road project. The investment will top €70 million and is part-financed by the EU.

“This project will change the way our country looks at road infrastructure and will improve the gateway to the south,” he said.

The ambitious project will see the highest, longest and widest bridge structures ever constructed in Malta.

The project will also include pedestrian bridges, cycle lanes and dedicated paths for public transport

The highest bridge will be more than four storeys above ground, while the longest bridges will extend for more than 400 metres and will link Garibaldi and Vjal Santa Luċija with Triq Aldo Moro.

“This development will eliminate the need for traffic lights and make travelling for the 100,000 motorists who use the junction every day, faster and less polluting… This country needs to have adequate infrastructure to continue on the path of progress,” Borg said, adding that a reduction in congestion would also have economic benefits.