James Debono
Transport Malta is still “evaluating the details” of a tunnel proposal linking the Sant Anrdija junction in Pembroke to the mega projects in Saint George’s Bay.
The need for the new tunnel emerged in a Transport Impact Assessment assessing the twin impact of developments proposed at Villa Rosa and the former ITS site. These projects are expected to double traffic towards the area.
The Shift asked the Transport Ministry whether the bill for the new tunnel will be footed by the tax payer or by the developers and how much the new project will cost.
A Ministry spokesperson curtly replies that “Transport Malta is still evaluating the details of the proposal under its consideration.”
According to documents submitted in the Environment Planning Statement for the DB development Transport Malta will be responsible for the “design” of the new tunnel.
The ramps leading to the tunnel to street level would either be located in Triq il-Mediterran or along the western boundary of the Pembroke development zone. In the latter case, works on the new tunnel will have to be conducted close to a Special Area of Conservation.
The 1.3km tunnel is being proposed in Pembroke to access the proposed high-rise developments in St Julian’s.
The tunnel will directly connect the proposed developments, including the City Centre development proposed by the DB Group, with the Triq Sant’ Andrija/Triq Suffolk junction in Pembroke .
The report which evaluated the twin impact on the road network of the proposed City Centre and the Villa Rosa developments concludes that a system of tunnels is needed to by-pass the residential areas of Pembroke.
The current junction at Triq Sant Andrija is described as unsafe and sub-standard will also need upgrading.
The Environment Planning Statement (EPS) for DB Group’s City Center development concluded that the project would, together with the adjacent Villa Rosa development, double traffic in the area.
The City Center development proposed by DB group owned by Silvio Debono includes a 37 floor tower and a 17 floor hotel. The Villa Rosa development includes residential development on the villa grounds as well as commercial development along the coast including Moynihan House.
The two projects are being considered before the approval of the Paceville master plan which is still being drafted. The masterplan also included plans for a tunnel under regional road.
