Updated plans for Central Link Project submitted

Transport Minister Ian Borg has announced that updated Central Link Project plans have been submitted to the Planning Authority after a series of meetings with individuals, organisations, and other interested entities.

The minister has described the project as one of national importance as it aims to tackle the issue of traffic congestion in the centre of Malta; “a problem which has been with us for a great number of years, such that it was also considered in the 2006 local plans.”

However, nothing had been done until now, he said, and it was the current administration which had initiated the project. He stressed that he had taken this decision because it was necessary, especially as part of the government’s work to improve the quality of life in Malta.

Minister Borg said that the preliminary plans had already improved on the 2006 plans, where instead of a four- or six- lane bypass, as indicated in the local plan, the Central Link Project has a different design so that this new road can be built with just two lanes, for instance. “In this way, while taking up less agricultural land, we can still have infrastructure with fewer delays and less air pollution, and which caters for present and future needs.”

He said that the latest plans were also an improvement as they would see the road rebuilt from scratch, eliminating problems from the Mrieħel bypass to the Saqqajja Hill roundabout: “We will have quality infrastructure that caters for more localities and that benefits more road users and residents in the area.”

Although public consultation – initiated by the Planning Authority – officially began yesterday, the relevant ministry and other entities concerned, such as Infrastructure Malta, met those who had suggestions or concerns about the project. Several amendments and additional facilities proposed by the public over the past few weeks have been included before submission of the final plans. He explained that the project had also been discussed in Parliament.

The minister said that apart from this parliamentary consultation, Infrastructure Malta had also met with several groups, including residents, organisations, authorities, and local councils, so as to hear what they had to say.

Minister Borg explained that thanks to improvements made in the plans, “we will now see a great increase in facilities for alternative transport means, including a 280-per cent increase in cycle lanes and two new tunnels for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross arterial roads. These new tunnels connect to a bridge already included in the plans and which will facilitate crossing Mdina Road on foot or by bike in the area of San Anton Gardens. The Central Link Project also includes the construction of more than 10 kilometres of new pavement and pedestrian passages, meaning that the project could also encourage more people to adopt alternative means of transport.

The minister explained that other steps were being taken on top of those already planned regarding the environment and, after listening to environmental organisations and holding discussions with Environment and Resources Authority, the number of trees to be planted had been increased. According to the information he has received, 700 new indigenous trees will be planted and landscaped zones will also increase with a view to improving the surrounding environment. When the project is finished, the area will have around 550 more trees than it does at present.

Engineer Fredrick Azzopardi, who leads Infrastructure Malta, explains that the Central Link Project involves rebuilding several main roads in the centre of the country in order to slash travelling time by half along the main route between Mrieħel, Birkirkara, Balzan, Attard, Ta’ Qali, Żebbuġ, Rabat, and Mosta, while also improving air quality in residential areas within these localities. The project includes the complete redesign and reconstruction of the 4.3-kilometre route to add another 7.4 kilometres of new lanes, improve the efficiency and safety of 13 junctions and remove four traffic light systems currently causing problems.

Among the studies being carried out as part of the planning phase, it has come to light that the project will lead to an improvement of around 13 per cent in air quality in the areas of Attard, Balzan, and Birkirkara, with far less emissions from vehicles stuck in traffic. The project will lead to a reduction of 13 per cent in particulate matter emissions, 16 per cent in nitrogen dioxide emissions and 67 per cent in volatile organic compound emissions. These emissions cause several health and environmental problems. Carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change, are also expected to drop by up to a tonne an hour, according to a government statement.

Azzopardi explains that another positive aspect of the amended plans is that Infrastructure Malta will enter into an agreement with contractors for trees not only to be planted, but also maintained over several years, ensuring their growth and natural integration. If, however, the new trees die, they will be immediately replaced.

Minister Borg expressed his belief in the need for this project and said that while he had listened to those who might have had some reservations, he remains committed to working towards the project’s implementation for the thousands of people who have been suffering the consequences of the issues in these areas for decades and who wish to see an improvement in their quality of life.

“We look forward to implementing the project, which will benefit residents in the areas of Birkirkara, Balzan and Attard, and the 30,000 other people who travel through these areas on a daily basis,” the minister concluded.