Dock 7 to be opened during the afternoon, new roads added to ease traffic

Dock 7 will now be open in the afternoon and several new lanes have been constructed to ease traffic congestion in the Marsa area caused by the development of the junction project, Transport Minister Ian Borg announced yesterday.

The Minister said that as of this morning, from the area near the Corradino MCAST roundabout, the route which passes through Dock 7 and arrives in Marsa, and which is currently only used in the morning (06:00 – 09:00) in the direction to Valletta, will also be open during the late afternoon, between three (15:00) and seven (19:00), in the opposite direction.

Last week, the team leading works opened new provisional routes to be used instead of some of the existing lanes, which are undergoing excavation works as well as the building of several new roads and other project-related infrastructure.

The new lanes have replaced the factories that were demolished earlier this year.

The third phase of the project, which will take place during the later months of this year, will see these new lanes will be used as part of a number of new routes which will be opened instead of existing lanes, while the flyover structures and other new roads planned will be built on them.

Gvern Lokali Road is closed to cater for the commencement of the building of some of the new roads and other underground structures as part of the second phase of the Marsa Junction project.

The Marsa Junction Project, which is expected to cost €70 million, includes the building of new roads, seven flyover structures, pedestrian passageways, cyclist facilities, parking and other developments to strengthen the junction.

The first phase of this project, which includes the demolition of old factories in the area, is near completion.

In February, the architects and administrators of the project commenced with the second phase, which includes the development of several new lanes along Aldo Moro Road and other nearby roads. The development of required distribution systems for electrical, water, drainage, telecommunication, and stormwater collection services passing through these roads, has also started.

Later this year, contractors will also begin the third and final phase, to build the seven flyover structures and other project facilities.

Speaking at a press conference, Borg reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue addressing the issue of traffic congestion through several short, medium and long-term projects towards improved quality of life.