A tunnel proposed for the exit from Paceville would alleviate the daunting traffic in the area – but Partit Demokratiku is disgusted that while plans for the db Group project have already been presented, those for the tunnel remain “nothing but an illusion”.

“Despite the upgrades of Salini Road and the fly over traffic arrangement at Gżira-San Ġwann junction, the stretch of road between regional tunnel and St Andrews is already virtually at gridlock, especially during peak hours,” it lamented.

“The suitability of road networks are already highly inadequate as witnessed by the gridlock from within the heart of Pembroke to St Andrews after St George's bay was temporarily closed.

“This is already a cause of concern, more so due to the unresolved volume of traffic and congestion that prevails. If and when the db project goes ahead, the impact on public health is enormous given the tons of materials which will have to be trucked into and out of Pembroke,” the party said.

It is envisaged that this mega project will generate over 7,500 car trips daily and during the construction period a fleet of heavy vehicles will be traveling to and fro to remove over 336,000 tons of construction waste and to supply an on-site batching plant.