Momentum proposes underpass instead of ‘monstrous’ Swieqi-Pembroke footbridge
The party argued that an underpass would be safer, more practical, and less visually intrusive
Momentum has expressed its strong opposition to a planned footbridge linking Swieqi and Pembroke, while proposing an underpass as an alternative.
In a statement Tuesday, the party said it “strongly opposed” the “monstrous crossing” planned for Triq Sant Andrija, linking Swieqi and Pembroke.
Infrastructure Malta is spearheading the plans, which have already faced a backlash from residents, the Swieqi mayor and the Green Party.
Triq Sant Andrija is a busy throughfare leading to the Coast Road. It was redesigned and reconstructed just a couple of years ago as part of a major roadworks project.
Momentum said the footbridge “risks becoming a four-storey concrete structure imposed on residents without proper planning or consultation” and instead proposed an underpass it said would be “safer, more practical, and a less visually intrusive solution”.
Infrastructure Malta's plans. Graphic: Planning Authority.
Momentum's proposal. Graphic: Momentum.
Party leader Arnold Cassola called the plans “another example of government incompetence”.
“A major road was recently built, prioritising cars, yet no serious thought was given to pedestrian safety. Now, instead of fixing this failure properly, the only solution being presented is a massive overpass that will permanently scar the area”, he said.
Referencing controversial plans for a similar footbridge in Msida, near the Kulleġġ bus stop, Cassola called the Swieqi-Pembroke project “yet another case of ignoring expert advice” while highlighting a “serious failure in governance”.
“Residents were not properly consulted, transparency is lacking, and key assessments, including visual impact and pedestrian usability, have not been presented.”
Expressing concern that alternatives such as an underpass were not explored before the plans for the footbridge were submitted, the party noted that underpasses had been successful in Floriana and the Birkirkara bypass connecting Mater Dei.
“These were built decades ago and are still valid, yet today’s government prefers oversized, intrusive structures”, it said.
Momentum encouraged those opposing the plans to attend a protest in Swieqi on Saturday at 10am, organised by the local council.