One of the longest stretches of road built using EU funds was “tested” yesterday morning by a group of around 40 young cyclists, members of the Malta Cycling Federation.

A total of e4.7 million in co-funding from the European Union had been allocated to this project. The government financed 25 per cent of the cost.

The fun run started from Hal Far down to the roundabout junction near the Freeport where Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Roads and Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett presented a medal to the participants. Dr Gonzi also unveiled a marble plaque to commemorate the completion of three kilometre-long newly-constructed road.

The road from the Freeport to Hal Far and then onto Civil Aviation Avenue in Luqa is a very important route for commercial traffic and it has been built in line with the EU’s class 1 standards, the minister said. The newly-built road can carry three million 30-tonne trucks over its lifespan.

The work was completed before the deadline, he said, even though a number of important changes had to be made along the way. Mr Mugliett said that particular attention was given to the provision of services, particularly drainage, landscaping, pavements and a cycling lane from the Freeport to the airport, a distance of 6.5 kilometres.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he was very happy to inaugurate the new road in the presence of children who had made full use of it. He said it has been built with the interests of the business community in mind but also the well-being of the public who could now enjoy long walks in the country.