The public calls for works to be carried out on the proposed tunnel between Malta and Gozo were already being prepared, Transport Minister Ian Borg said on Wednesday.

Replying to a Parliamentary question by shadow minister for Gozo Chris Said, Dr Borg said these preparations were underway in parallel with other technical studies so as to “not waste time” but added that a lot of preliminary work would first have to be concluded.

Among the documents being prepared were those covering the implementation, management, and monitoring of the works related to the project.

Back in June, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had said work on the subterranean tunnel linking the two islands should start before the end of this legislature and could be finalised as soon as 2024. 

Read: Malta-Gozo tunnel could run from Manikata to Nadur

The 13km-long tunnel is planned to have a seven-metre radius and one traffic lane heading in either direction, with an additional emergency lane.

Meanwhile, Dr Borg told the House that planning for the tunnel was progressing full steam ahead.

A geological model had been prepared of the area along which the tunnel will likely be dug.

In recent weeks, the results of this modelling had been discussed with a number of experts, entities and authorities involved in the process, the minister said.

Technical studies that were part of the hefty environment impact assessment for the whole project were, meanwhile, also ongoing.

Topographic surveys of the areas identified for the entry and exit had also begun, while the conceptual design of the tunnel was ongoing.

Other economic studies, he added, were also underway.