18 Sep
First Marsa Junction Project flyovers open this weekend

First Marsa Junction Project flyovers open this weekend

Infrastructure Malta is opening the first two flyover structures of the Marsa Junction Project this weekend.

The two interconnected flyover structures, extending half a kilometre, will give road users an uninterrupted connection between Marsa and Luqa, towards the Airport and the Kirkop Tunnels, to replace the existing route through the Addolorata Cemetery traffic lights junction. Initially, until the third and fourth flyover structures of this project are opened early next year, this new two-lane connection will be used in the southbound direction, from Aldo Moro Road (Marsa) towards Giuseppe Garibaldi Road (Luqa).

This arrangement will allow Infrastructure Malta to close the temporary lanes currently serving this route, in the Addolorata Cemetery car park area, and free up the required space to complete the construction of other structures included in this project. They include the third and fourth flyover structures, which are being built beneath the two that Infrastructure Malta will open this weekend. These flyovers will form the final two-lane southbound route between Aldo Moro Road and Garibaldi Road. The first two flyovers will then serve the northbound route, to complete a continuous bi-directional link between these two major roads. 

The other flyover structures and new lanes that Infrastructure Malta is building as part of this project will create similar uninterrupted connections between Aldo Moro Road and the other roads merging at the Addolorata traffic lights junction, including Sir Paul Boffa Avenue (towards Corradino and Paola), Santa Lucija Avenue (Addolorata Hill) and Marsa Road (towards Qormi).  

Road users travelling through this junction in the coming days are encouraged to take note of the yellow direction signs guiding them to the new route up the new flyovers. The 30 kilometres per hour reduced speed limit for safe driving through road works sites will continue to apply in all areas of the Marsa Junction Project, including the two new flyover structures.   

Before introducing lane changes, Infrastructure Malta is modelling and testing each configuration using specialised traffic flow software. Different options are examined to identify diversions with the least possible impact on over 100,000 persons who travel through this area every day.   

Infrastructure Malta is collaborating with the Police and with Transport Malta to support road users during the implementation of this project. Traffic police and Transport Malta officers are stationed in the area to monitor the roads leading to the Addolorata junction and to take immediate action in case of difficulties. Drivers can also call Transport Malta’s support line 80073399 to request the emergency breakdown towing service available in this area.

The Marsa Junction Project includes the development of a new multi-level intersection to replace the Addolorata traffic lights system with 12 kilometres of uninterrupted lanes, grade-separated at three levels, creating direct northbound and southbound connections between the arterial roads merging at this network node. It is eliminating traffic lights waiting times along this principal route to southern Malta, whilst reducing congestion emissions in Marsa and other nearby localities. It also introduces new facilities for alternative modes of travel, such as footpaths and cycle paths, segregated pedestrian crossings, improved bus laybys, bus lanes, a park and ride area, new landscaped areas and other new infrastructure.

The first two phases of the project, including the reconstruction of Aldo Moro Road, Gvern Lokali Road and parts of other nearby roads, were ready in 2018. Last December, Infrastructure Malta started the third phase, focusing on the construction of the flyovers. Over 35% of this €70-million project have now been completed.
   
The Marsa Junction Project is co-financed through the EU’s Cohesion Fund and Connecting Europe Facility.