Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg has continued to deny that there is any damage to the Marsa flyover, arguing that the space is for an expansion joint that will be included at the end of the whole project.
Images have appeared in the press showing what looks to be a hole in the newly constructed flyover, however the minister says there is no damage and that it is a space for an expansion joint.
Other images seem to show that some material has fallen off from the underside of the flyover, with the PN media saying that small stones had fallen down onto the road below. The issue was yesterday flagged by PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo, with Borg replying that the material was actually a light, foam-like substance.
“In the process where one has a number of structures, one has to include expansion joints. It is something technical.” Technical people have assured that it is safe, he said.
Asked whether the flyover was opened too soon, and whether this issue could have been avoided had other works been completed before opening the structure, Borg said that it is safe and that half a million people have used it and reduced their time in traffic as a result.
Asked whether the gaping hole is of concern to him, he said no, and again reiterated that it is safe.
“It is not a pothole”, he said, adding that he has explained this already. Asked who is going to pay for the repair work, he said there are no repairs required, and said that it is not a situation of damage in the structure but a spot where there will be an expansion joint when all structures in the project are completed.
Asked why the expansion joint was not included before opening he said as all expansion joints will be included once the whole project is complete. The space present on the flyover where the expansion joint will be placed, he said, was filled with something temporary.
