Drivers are reporting a huge gridlock in the central part of Malta as the stretch between the skate park at Tal-Qroqq and the Santa Venera tunnels is closed for road works.

The final part of the project was announced last Saturday and this main artery is being closed every day until Saturday between 5pm and 5am.

But this is not the only part of Malta that finds itself at a standstill.

The stretch between St Andrew’s and Sliema, including the St Julian’s promenade,  is also jammed by cars and, earlier this evening, the road leading from San Gwann to Sliema was also hit by heavy traffic, largely because a concrete mixer near the former Belmont Hotel affected the flow.

Drivers have also complained about lack of planning by Infrastructure Malta. Those who tried to find an alternative route to avoid the Regional Road gridlock, found themselves caught up in heavy traffic because of work taking place in San Gwann – between Tal-Balal Road and central San Gwann.

Abate Rigord street Ta’Xbiex is also completely jammed in the direction of Msida, Maltese Road Traffic Updates reports on its Facebook page.

Infrastructure Malta CEO Frederick Azzopardi this evening acknowleged the traffic issues being experienced but said there will be a better flow once the works are completed. IM will be “opening six lanes” this weekend, he tweeted.

Photo: Maltese Roads Traffic Updates

We understand Regional Rd night works caused delays. Road could not be closed later, to finish in time for early morning reopening. Thanks for your cooperation. Any inconvenience is regretted. Thanks to all supporting this operation – @InfraMalta opening 6 new lanes this weekend. pic.twitter.com/1XHIgrrnwC

— Fredrick Azzopardi (@F_Azzopardi) August 8, 2019