Works on the Coast Road have led to the closure of this main artery, and has caused further traffic misery for motorists.

Transport Malta yesterday advised that the Coast Road between iċ-Ċagħaq and Triq Martin Luther King will be closed until Friday 31 July. But this morning drivers woke up to utter chaos.

Transport Malta urged motorists to avoid the area, but people coming from the north or wanting to go there have passed through a miserable morning trying to make their way via different routes. At times, the traffic was at a standstill and many workers arrived late at the office. 

The police this morning also issued a statement urging motorisrs to avoid the area starting from Xemxija (by Beach Haven) through St Paul's Bypass followed by the roundabout know as tal-Erba Mwiezeb and Telgha T'Alla u Ommu including the surrounding areas. The Traffic Police are doing their utmost, the police said, "but we also need you co-operation. In the meantime those in the area who are at a standstill, we ask you to keep calm."

In a statement issued after noon - hours after the chaos started - Transport Malta said it regreetted the inconvenience caused with the closure of the Coast Road.  The issues this morning highlight the importance of the Coast Road and hence our commitment to upgrade it, TM said.

This part of the Coast Road had to be closed completely.  This road closure will improve the deadline by around three weeks and will avoid future total closures in more critical times, TM said..

Two layers of asphalt, 120mm in all, are being applied to the highest European standard.   Traffic cannot pass on the binder course.  Works and asphalting continued during the night yesterday. 

Transport Malta urges drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes, through Mġarr Bypass, Mosta and Birkirkara.

Transport Malta said it is vigilant on the working contractors, who are collaborating fully. Works are on schedule and the road will be open again on Friday morning.

The closure of the Coast Road has created traffic chaos on all the roads leading to it, including St Paul's Bay, San Gwann, Mosta, Naxxar and Burmarrad.

"Cars are simply not moving in St Paul's Bay," drivers have said.

The locality mayor, Graziella Galea, has written to Minister Joe Mizzi to complain about the lack of organisation in the traffic arrangements which led to so much confusion. She requested the ministry and Transport Malta to come up with a better plan for traffic management in the area, given the the intention is to leave the Coast Road closed to traffic until Friday.

(Qawra - Photo Malta Traffic updates)

On the other side of the Coast Road, the St Julian's/Swieqi area, the situation is pretty much the same.

Traffic is being diverted away from the Coast Road by the Luxol football pitch.

(Road leading to Telgha t'Alla u Ommu - Photo Malta Traffic updates)

“There is no access to Triq il-Kosta from Pembroke.  Please use routes from Birkirkara, Mosta or Mġarr Bypass,” Transport Malta advised.

Vehicles from Msida are encouraged to use Triq Tas-Sliema from Kappara Junction.  A route from Ta’ L-Ibraġ in Swieqi to Triq tal-Balal will also be available, Transport Malta said.

Vehicles from St Paul’s Bay are diverted through Burmarrad or through Triq is-Salini up to it-Telgħa T’Alla w’Ommu.  One can also pass through Triq ir-Ramla in Magħtab, the authority said.

Since the regular routes will not be going through Triq il-Kosta, Malta Public Transport will be offering a shuttle service between Buġibba and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi told Parliament in May that they project is expected to be completed by July.

The project is expected to cost €53 million, up from the original €49 million.

Works fell behind schedule in February following the archaeological discoveries in the Salina Bay area.

“Public transport is a challenge in this country," Minister Zammit Lewis said during a press conference earlier today while responding to questions from the press.

Government’s aim is for the Coast Road project works to have as little effect as possible, he added, explaining that the transport problem needs a long-term solution. “It is a side-effect of progress and must be addressed”.

He stressed the need to look for new forms of public transport. At this stage, MHRA President Tony Zahra suggested a project which was being considered in 1996 however was shelved, mentioning the possibility of a tunnel between Valletta and Sliema. He also suggested a possible limit on cars that would be allowed into Malta, and quipped “Obviously this won’t make me popular today, however I am not running for the next election so I am offering solutions”.