Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg visited ‘Tal-Balal’ where an infrastructural project has just been completed. The project saw the rebuilding and widening of this main 1.8 kilometre arterial road connecting Naxxar and San Ġwann, as well as the rebuilding of four roundabouts along the route and other works towards better facilities and services.
“Today we are on one of the seven projects we studied regarding economic benefits, one of seven projects where for every €1 we invested, our country is receiving €7 back. Today we are here because we implemented a project that is positively affecting more than 2,100 cars passing through here every hour during peak morning and afternoon hours, and we are expecting a reduction of 40% in travelling time. We are here on a project that means less frustration on the road, less emissions, and less dust particles in the air”, said Minister Borg.
He explained that apart from work towards a better road and junctions for vehicles, the project included for the first time ever the placement of a pavement providing safe pedestrian access between Naxxar and San Ġwann as well as cycling facilities.
Minister Borg reminded those present that this work towards facilities for alternative means together with better roads for vehicles has been made clear in a number of other projects scattered around the Maltese road network, and stressed that the Government will not accept a road network that creates inefficiency and discomfort. He commended the sustainability with which these projects were implemented and also stressed the priority of safety.
In this case, the project included a good road lighting system, strong foundations as there weren’t any before, a great number of guiding signs as well as a system of jersey barriers. The minister said that roundabout design was also planned for improved safety.
The project also included improvement works on services and the building of 2.5 kilometres of rubble walls.
“Our work on roads is carried out holistically and comprehensively. Because the challenge of congestion and traffic is complex, and we are committed to address it in several ways which maintain an essential balance. This is the way in which planning and implementation of infrastructure should be done, the way in which we should look at and work on transport. We will continue working on a better quality of life as befits our people”, concluded Minister Borg.
