Why do you think the arch should be closed to traffic? Did the recent refurbishment have anything to with this?

We think Portes des Bombes should be permanently closed to traffic as it is sustaining too much damage because of the many traffic accidents that happen there. And no, this has nothing to do with the recent restoration works carried out.

What about vehicular arrangements if it is sealed off?

In our opinion there is nothing unrealistic about closing a narrow gateway to cars which was intended for horse drawn carriages, and even more so, when this activity is endangering the very existence of this historic structure. Proper traffic management could very well solve the problem such as the re-direction of traffic and it could help ease some of the pressure caused during rush hours. This can be solved by directing the traffic from the south east going toward Valletta to the harbour roads, traffic from the Rabat – Hamrun areas will carry on using the present thoroughfare while traffic from the Birkirkara - Sliema area go through Sa Maison. In this way there will be a more efficient flow of traffic and at the same time the Portes des Bombes gate will not be subjected to the daily traffic stress that it is forced to endure. Another option would be the park and ride system which will make use of the open spaces at the Crown works area where commuters can leave their vehicles and use public transport to get to Valletta. Much talk about the adoption of such a scheme has been made over the years, but nothing has been done so far.

Since the road was widened by cutting off the bastions to open the thoroughfare, wouldn’t it be rather anomalous if it is closed now?

Not at all.

What do you propose as regards conservation of the arch’s historical state? Do you believe that there should be some sort of heritage monitoring and if so, what sort of monitoring?

Needless to say, the monitoring of heritage sites and monuments is of utmost importance. In the case of the Portes des Bombes gate one should monitor the effects of traffic emissions on the fabric of this important landmark. This can be done by professionals in the field under the charge of the Superintend for Cultural Heritage who is the sole regulator in the field.

There are other important arches in Malta in Zebbug, Zabbar and the old Victoria Gate in Valletta. Does FWA believe that these should be closed to traffic also, and what do you propose as alternative arrangements to conserve such important historical artefacts?

The triumphal arches at Zebbug and Zabbar are already closed to traffic. They are surrounded by a platform which makes the passage of vehicular traffic impossible. In the case of Victoria Gate, access should be limited although this is no longer used very much. The main problem is caused by large vehicles, in most cases of an industrial nature, which wreak much damage to the stone sides of the archways, apart from polluting the structure with their emissions.