Drivers, commuters and public transport users in Sliema and Gzira are being warned to expect significant traffic disruption for the next two months as Enemalta begins works tomorrow to strengthen the electricity distribution network between the two localities with the installation of 7.2 kilometres of new underground cables. The project, which forms part of a long term plan to upgrade the power supply to the densely populated northern harbour area, includes a new 4.5 kilometre, 11 kilovolt cable connection running from Manoel Island to the Sliema Ferries, with much of the excavation taking place along the narrow seafront corridor that serves as one of the busiest traffic arteries in Malta.
As the works progress towards Sliema, part of the seafront bus lane will be closed to allow for trenching, cable laying and reinstatement, while traffic heading out of Sliema will be restricted to a single lane, a configuration that is expected to create bottlenecks during morning and evening rush hours and slow down buses, school transport and tourist coaches that rely heavily on the coastal route. Transport Malta and the contractor have advised motorists to allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes through Tower Road and Triq il Knisja or use the ferry service where possible, while pedestrians and cyclists are also urged to follow temporary signage and safety barriers along the promenade. Although Enemalta has said the upgrade is essential to improve reliability and meet growing demand from new developments, hotels and commercial premises in the area, residents and businesses fear the usual combination of reduced road capacity, limited parking and ongoing construction noise will exacerbate congestion in a town already struggling with gridlock, with the works scheduled to continue until early January if the programme stays on track.
