A footbridge is to be built at Blata l-Bajda to facilitate cycling and pedestrian connections between this area, Ħamrun and Marsa, Infrastructure Malta said on Thursday.

The new circular girder bridge will be built next year over Triq San Gorg Preca, next to the MUSEUM Society headquarters, to connect St Joseph High Road in Hamrun with the Spencer Hill and Menqa areas of Marsa, including the nearby ferry terminals and the Floriana Park and Ride facilities. It will provide a safer road crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, replacing the existing pelican lights. T

The bridge will also improve access to the northbound and southbound Blata l-Bajda bus stops.

The structure’s design incorporates gently sloping ramps, taking cyclists and pedestrians from St Joseph High Road over the southbound carriageway of Triq San Gorg Preca (the stretch of road between Triq Diċembru 13 and Triq Nazzjonali) towards the other side of the road at Marsa.

The geometry of the footbridge aims to smoothly link both sides of the road, with minimal impact on the adjacent landscaped areas. Whilst walking or cycling over the bridge, commuters will be passing in line with the canopies of some of the mature trees located in this area, offering a new perspective of the adjacent park. The structure will include passenger lifts to ensure it is accessible to everyone.

A call for offers for the construction of this bridge closes on December 12. Infrastructure Malta is liaising with the planning and environmental authorities to obtain the necessary development permits. Once the procurement process is concluded, the contractor will be required to build the bridge within a few months, by the end of 2019. This project may be part-financed by the structural and investment funds of the European Union.

Another bridge planned for Luqa

The agency is also finalising preparations for another cycling and walking overpass being built in 2019 across Vjal l-Avjazzjoni, in Luqa. This 34-metre structure will facilitate pedestrian, public transport and cycling commutes to and from several localities around Gudja, including the nearby Malta International Airport and the Institute of Tourism Studies.

 

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