The Planning Authority Board has approved the construction of a new 22m in diameter roundabout in Gzira, next to Manoel Island, Maltatoday reports.

The proposal consisted of the construction of a vehicular and pedestrian bridge and the formation of a new junction, i.e. a roundabout on Triq ix-Xatt and Triq William Reid, in lieu of the current junction, which links Gzira with Manoel Island.

The junction was a condition that had been imposed by Transport Malta on the Manoel Island Master Plan back in 2021.

The application included: the removal of part of the existing central strip on Triq ix-Xatt, removal of part of the Gzira promenade, abutting the new proposed access to Manoel Island. The removal of the existing central strip leading to the current access and removal of existing boatyard, together with its' slipway; The construction of a 22 metres diameter landscaped roundabout, with two carriageways, which permits uninterrupted traffic flow from Gzira to Sliema and vice versa and access to Manoel Island; Widening of public pavements on both sides of Triq ix-Xatt and Manoel Island; New central strips, including trees; Construction of a new bridge, to access Manoel Island, which includes vehicular and pedestrian; A gateway piazza, which can accommodate 6 drop offs, together with a coach drop off and an EV Depot; and Construction of a new quayside.

MaltaToday reports that all ten board members voted in favour, and that the board also agreed to impose a condition requiring a bicycle lane and bicycle crossing within the approved plans for the carriage way.

The original 1930s bridge will be preserved and used as a belvedere, but a post-1975 extension of the same bridge will be dismantled after the construction of the new connection to the island.