A new continuous lane is to be added all the way from the Armier roundabout to the Cirkewwa terminal, “in a new infrastructural project that will be completed before the coming summer season.”
This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, who explained how together with the technical experts of Infrastructure Malta, they worked on a solution so that cars going up to Gozo start having two lanes instead of one, from Armier to Cirkewwa.
He said that with a total investment of €7 million, this project will be carried out on a stretch of two and a half kilometres, with the first interventions starting on the road from the Marfa roundabout in the direction towards Cirkewwa.
Minister Chris Bonett explained how with this project traffic congestion will be reduced while the organisation in the area will be increased, with the result that the journey will be better facilitated for everyone who crosses the channel to Gozo.
“This project, which will be carried out after the successful completion of the work on the road to the Ghadira beach, it is the first of a series of initiatives that are expected to be taken in the coming months to continue to reduce the traffic congestion in key areas of the country,” said the Minister.
During a visit to Cirkewwa, Infrastructure Malta officials explained how the project, which will be carried out over a stretch of two and a half kilometres, will be divided into different phases, with the work first being focused on the Marfa roundabout in the direction towards the Police Station/Cirkewwa Terminal.
The iron structures that separate the lanes will be changed and replaced by concrete structures that are certified to offer the best possible safety. The change of these structures will make it possible to gain more space that can be used more effectively. The existing structure of the bridge over the tunnel leading to the South Pier will also be changed, after it was extensively damaged by the elements. The works will be carried out in the best possible way in the existing space, said Infrastructure Malta.
Cyclists will also be given importance, with the existing bicycle lane on the road from the Marfa roundabout to Cirkewwa will remain as it is and will even be widened in certain areas, while an alternative route will be added from Triq ta’ Msid for cyclists to pass from Armier to Marfa.
It said that “all precautions were also taken not to close the access to parts around the terminal for the workers working in that area and not to create a congestion that obstructs the public transport service and the emergency services.”
Infrastructure Malta is encouraging drivers to plan their route in advance and suggests these alternative routes.
2 Comments To "Additional lane to be added from Armier to Cirkewwa Terminal"
#1 Comment By Ray On February 20, 2024 @ 7:32 am
Simply means the queue will be twice as wide and still go all the way back up the hill. Also, unless police are in attendance at the Cirkewwa terminal end there will be problems with two lanes merging into one for the Marshalling area unless that system is changed as well. A speedier system of loading the ferries to turn them round quicker would be better, as it is, there is room for loading two at a time onto the ferries, same as unloading, but only one is used.
#2 Comment By david neil mossop On February 20, 2024 @ 4:50 pm
Think there are few missing brain cells.