Works on the Salina part of the Coast Road may have to be extended beyond the summer because of a change of plans in order to preserve archaeological finds, Transport Malta said.

It said the works are being carried out under the supervision of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) so that proper archaeological investigations are carried out on site. A complete list of discoveries made during the excavation phases for the widening and reconstruction of the road has already been made by the superintendence.  

(The superintendence said on Sunday that discoveries during the project included a punic grave, a  fougasse and remains of a Roman structure.) 

Transport Malta said works on the project are therefore progressing in a more cautious manner to take into consideration these features and artefacts.

"It is envisaged that some structural changes will be required in the road foundation layers so as to preserve such features. Transport Malta is currently working on a modified option for the Coast Road in the Salina stretch to incorporate and preserve these archaeological findings, within the foundation layers below the road build-up.

"Due to these important findings the project timelines are being re-evaluated with the possibility of them having to be extended beyond summer."  

It said it will continue to work with the contractors and supervisor so that the works programme is revised as necessary and that these continuing developments are catered for with the least disturbance possible and the least delays to the project. 

Transport Malta also reminded motorists that southbound traffic from Madliena Hill to Triq Suffold, will be diverted through the entrance of White Rocks onto Adrian Dingli Stret.

Martin Luther King Road will only be accessible from the diversion road at the White Rocks.