Road works along the main carriageways leading from the heart of Mellieħa to Ghadira Bay will be stopped for the whole of summer, with the project continuing to its conclusion in October, so as to create minimal disruption during the busy hotter months, The Malta Independent is informed.

Speaking to The Malta Independent about the ongoing project, Mellieħa mayor Gabriel Micallef said that the original plans had envisaged the completion of the current phase of the project - road works, including tarmacking, between the sanctuary and the bay - by around mid-June.

However, the contractor was subsequently granted an extension by the Malta Transport Authority (MTA), pushing the expected completion date of this phase of the project to the end of the month. 

Once the summer months are over, the road works will continue from the sanctuary area up Gorg Borg Olivier Street and Main Street.

Drivers heading towards Għadira have been forced to use the Mellieħa by-pass as an alternative route since the road which disects the locality was closed in January. They will have some respite until the end of September while works are halted for the summer months.

Since the closure of the road, public transport services were diverted through the Mellieħa by-pass, with a minivan shuttle service in operation during the day to serve residents wanting to go to the heart of the village. This minivan service will be suspended for the summer months and resume when the project continues in October.

The Malta Independent is informed that the project, which should be completed by May 2027, is collectively 10 weeks ahead of schedule.