A €20 million road project is being planned to divert traffic between Tal-Barrani Road and Vjal Santa Lucija through underground tunnels. 

The project, which has just been opened up to a call for offers, would see the current roundabout revamped to include two underground tunnels, with overland lanes for traffic heading to and from Santa Luċija, Tarxien and Paola. 

Authorities hope the tunnels would help ease traffic congestion caused by large volumes of traffic heading to and from Marsa during rush hours. 

Successful applicants will be responsible for digging two two-lane tunnels more than 100 metres long, with a new roundabout built atop them and newly-laid water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. The deadline for applications ends in two weeks' time. 

In a Facebook post, Transport Minister Ian Borg said the project would be entrusted to the Roads Agency that will be set up "in the coming weeks". 

The project would join projects to build a flyover in Kappara, to revamp Marsa junctions and to widen the Marsa-Ħamrun bypass to improve road infrastructure on key thoroughfares, Dr Borg said. 

The roundabout in its current form. Photo: Google MapsThe roundabout in its current form. Photo: Google Maps

A depiction of what the proposed project would look like. Photo: Facebook/Ian BorgA depiction of what the proposed project would look like. Photo: Facebook/Ian Borg

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