Temporary traffic re-routing along Birkirkara bypass

Part of the Birkirkara bypass will be closed to traffic for about two months as from next week for the building of the main flyover. A number of traffic diversion schemes are being introduced.

Speaking about the road network surrounding the Mater Dei Hospital yesterday, Transport Minister Censu Galea said works on the entire project started last June, at an estimated cost of Lm1.3 million, including the opening of new access roads to the hospital, a pedestrian underpass, a new link road from San Gwann industrial estate and a storm water gallery.

The planning and overall design of the project were carried out by the Malta Transport Authority, detailed design and construction were then contracted out, in their entirety, to the appointed contractors - a joint-venture between Polidano Brothers Ltd and Road Services Limited - on a design, build and maintain basis. The architect in charge of the project is Carmel Busuttil.

Mr Galea said the contractor would be responsible for the maintenance of the completed road to ensure its satisfactory performance after completion for five years.

Earlier in the week, St Julian's Road was closed off at the Rajt ma Rajtx, Smajt ma Smajtx monument with the vehicular diversion being along Triq Bellavista into the San Gwann industrial estate.

Vehicular traffic from San Gwann industrial estate was now being channelled to the roundabout at Mater Dei Hospital entrance and then onto the Birkirkara bypass.

As from next week, vehicular traffic from tal-Qroqq junction onto the Birkirkara by-pass would be diverted into Swatar to Triq it-Torri and back onto the Birkirkara bypass.

Vehicular traffic from the Birkirkara-bypass towards Msida, would be diverted down to the roundabout at Mater Dei Hospital entrance and back onto the bypass from the recently constructed slip road.

Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area during the period work was being carried out.

Mr Galea said the project was part of the government's commitment to improve roads in Malta. He said this commitment was demonstrated by the completion of over 400 residential and 20 arterial roads in the past four and a half years. He said that now, roads were being built to last.

Malta's entry into the EU would also seal an additional Lm14 million in cohesion funds which would be used to continue upgrading the country's road network.