Southbound carriageway of bypass and junction upgrading being implemented
The Imrieħel Underpass Project has been completed, creating a direct route from Mdina Road to the Imrieħel Bypass, next to the Malta Financial Services Authority offices. In the meantime, Infrastructure Malta (IM) is also implementing a project upgrade in the southbound carriageway of the Imrieħel Bypass and upgrading the existing junction leading to the Imrieħel Industrial Estate.
This was announced during a press conference by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia together with IM CEO Ivan Falzon.
It was explained that, as it reduces traffic volumes, the Imrieħel Underpass Project enabled the introduction of safer pedestrian and cycling crossing to link Birkirkara, Imrieħel and Balzan with il-Ħofor Road, a rural road leading to Żebbuġ and Qormi.
The two-lane 60-metre underpass is located beneath the new roundabout, eliminating the traffic lights at this important junction between Balzan, Birkirkara and Imrieħel. Through this new tunnel, the main eastbound traffic flows from Mdina Road, Balzan towards the Imrieħel Bypass and is grade-separated from the other flows converging at the newly built roundabout.
IM built this underpass using more than 290 precast concrete panels to form its tunnel walls. The agency lifted in place the concrete beams that support the ceiling slab of the new Imrieħel Underpass, covered with the new roundabout and its approaching lanes, pedestrian and cycling crossings. This project augments the positive impacts of the Central Link Project in Attard, Balzan, Birkirkara and Imrieħel.
As part of the Central Link Project, IM built two new lanes to create an uninterrupted route in the opposite direction, westbound from the bypass towards Balzan and Attard. By eliminating the principal eastbound (through the new tunnel) and westbound flows from the new roundabout, it has become quicker and safer for road users travelling to other nearby destinations, including Imrieħel, Birkirkara and Żebbuġ.
Regarding the project upgrade being implemented in the southbound carriageway of the Imrieħel Bypass and upgrading of the existing junction leading to the Imrieħel Industrial Estate, it was explained that works include the upgrade of 1.5 kilometres of crash barriers and motorcycle strips, the upgrade of the existing stormwater system and the building of 800 metres of new footpaths. It also includes the complete rebuilding of l-Intornjatur Road, replacing the existing stormwater tunnel, upgrading its underground networks, and resurfacing the road.
“The Imrieħel Underpass is another project that will continue to improve connectivity, alleviate the traffic problem in our country as well as improve safety for everyone who uses the roads in these areas. But we did not stop there, as through these further upgrades in the southbound carriageway of the Imrieħel Bypass, we are continuing to invest in this area to further improve the traffic situation,” concluded Minister Farrugia.
