Roadworks being carried out on the main carriageway between Pieta and Floriana led to traffic chaos on Monday morning for many motorists passing through the centre of the country.

Parts of the northbound carriageway of Triq L-Indipendenza between Pieta and Floriana were closed by Infrastructure Malta for maintenance and resurfacing works on Monday morning.

The works resulted in heavy traffic being reported, particularly for anyone attempting to drive to Valletta. Heavy traffic was reported all the way back to Birkirkara and moving into Swatar, Msida, and along the route to the capital.

Malta Public Transport meanwhile said in a statement that it is experiencing severe delays in its service due to the closure of the road.

“A diversion is in place affecting all routes serving bus stops “Pieta 1059” and “Bombi 1 1060” in the direction towards Valletta. Route buses coming from Msida or Ta’ Xbiex are being diverted by turning left onto Xatt it-Tiben and proceeding onto Triq Sa Maison, then continuing towards Valletta,” the company said.

This is affecting all buses operating the following routes: 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 24, 25, 31, 32, 35, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 54, 56, 238, 250, 260, N13, and TD13.

“Unfortunately, this road closure has also resulted in very slow moving traffic in other various parts of the island, and is negatively impacting many routes and the overall public transport service reliability and punctuality,” the company said.

Infrastructure Malta advised of the works last Friday, saying that the road closure will continue until Thursday 11 August.