Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects today Ian Borg visited ongoing works in Triq Ħal Luqa in Santa Luċija together with the mayors of Santa Luċija, Luqa, Tarxien and Paola, the localities that will be benefitting the most from this project.
After the road was widened in order to have two comfortable lanes in either direction last year, work is currently underway to widen the southbound carriageway by around three additional metres to create a segregated pedestrian and cycling track in this road.
Minister Borg explained how this road, which is frequented by several pedestrians, never before had pedestrian and cycling facilities. He said that this is part of the work being done by the Government towards multimodality and alternative means. Among other projects, the Minister mentioned the pedestrian and cycling bridges planned for Vjal l-Avjazzjoni, Blata l-Bajda and the Central Link Project, as well as other pedestrian bridges, which will form part of the Marsa Junction Project. He also reminded those present of the segregated pedestrian and cycling track being implemented in Triq Bormla, known as taċ-Ċawsli, between Żejtun and Żabbar, where the lanes for vehicles were reduced to one on either side to create this space, as this capacity turns out to be enough for the area.
Minister Borg said that the Government’s holistic work in infrastructure is also evident in the way the various ongoing projects around the country connect. He said that the work being carried out in this road will complement the Marsa Junction Project and the Santa Luċija tunnels project a few steps away and reminded those present of other work done in the area such as works on Vjal l-Avjazzjoni and a number of roundabouts in Luqa and Qormi. The Minister reminded those present that the plan for 2019 also includes a project in Triq San Tumas and Triq Ħal Qormi that will continue connecting this route from the centre to this part of the South.
“The Government’s infrastructural commitment is evident in the way we are working and planning. 2019 will be filled with several different projects, including the third phase of the Marsa Junction Project, the Santa Luċija roundabout and tunnels project, the beginning of the Central Link Project, other projects in main roads such as Triq Sant Andrija, Triq Reġjonali, Triq San Tumas and Triq Ħal Qormi, and the €100 million investment in the country’s residential roads. I feel that starting the year by announcing a project towards facilities for alternative means is very symbolic; it clearly represents this Government’s vision for the future,” concluded Minister Borg.