It’s a situation we’ve come to experience every day – and this when work at the Kappara junction is still in its preliminary stages.
We’re talking about the area close to The Malta Independent offices, which has become a major thoroughfare and which will inevitably become even more so when the Kappara project is in full swing. As from Friday, for example, Sliema Road will be closed to traffic according to signs affixed in the area.
The situation seen in the video is what is experienced almost constantly during the day, more so at peak hours – a huge traffic jam, a cacophony of horns and the usual desperation of drivers stuck for long minutes in the hot sun.
At the worst moments, the long line of cars stretches all the way back to San Gwann, near the HSBC bank branch.
It will get worse, as traffic in this area is set to increase when cars will be diverted to this road while the Kappara road works are under way. Suffice to say that people on their way to the airport will be directed via this route, as can be seen in the (still covered) sign affixed near the TMI offices.
One matter which needs to be seen to is the rotation of the traffic lights, which has recently been changed but which has made things worse. For example, the traffic lights are green for cars coming down from San Gwann for a mere 13 seconds, which means that only five-six cars pass in one rotation. The length of time afforded for cars coming down from Ta’ Giorni – the number of which is much lower than for cars coming from San Gwann – is longer.
One would think that it would be more logical to have a lengthier period of time for the longest line of traffic (from San Gwann, that is) rather than for the shortest line.
When, as can be seen in the video, Birkirkara Road is blocked for some reason, the chaos at the traffic lights is multiplied.
This matter has been put to the attention of the St Julian’s local council a few weeks ago, but matters have remained the same.
And, to think that soon enough work will start on a petrol station in the enclosed area seen in the video...
If you come across traffic issues such as the one reported above please email [email protected]