Msida creek project’s first phase scheduled to start during first week of November

Works for the Msida creek project’s first phase are expected to start in the first week of November, with the project planned to be completed by 2027, said Infrastructure Malta (IM) CEO Steve Ellul on Monday.

During a press briefing, Mr Ellul remarked that traffic pressures will not be shifted onto other junctions and that IM will be ensuring minimal traffic flow impact as 50,000 vehicles pass through Msida every day.

The first phase of the project will focus on the Msida shore. The works will involve repairing the quay and establishing the foundations and construction of the road connecting Ta’ Xbiex to Valletta.

Simultaneously, preparations will be underway for a temporary carriageway on Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street. A new quay will also be built on the waterfront.  

Mr Ellul noted that some details from the initial plans were redesigned following consultation with locals and the council.

The new flyover will replace the traffic light junction and is set to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The 200-metre flyover will be equipped with sound barriers and will directly connect Triq il-Marina to Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli.

In addition, the project will see the design and reconstruction of the traffic light junction connecting Triq il-Marina, Triq il-Wied tal-Imsida, and Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli. Nearby junctions will be strengthened by providing access to and from Gżira, Sliema, and Ta’ Xbiex.

The project will also include the construction of a canal, which will form part of the creek, allowing seawater to flow continuously through it, ensuring the canal is never without water. Its infrastructure will cater for the rise in sea and water levels during extraordinary weather conditions and therefore will not overflow onto the road.

The canal will have specific features to prevent it from becoming stagnant, similar to the Bormla dock in front of the American University of Malta (AUM) building.

Mr Ellul highlighted that IM planned 60 per cent of the project to be dedicated to public spaces, including a garden which will span 19,375 square metres, equivalent to three football grounds.

Furthermore, a 2,200 square metre square will be created in front of the church alongside a 300-metre-long water channel covering an area of 2,400 square metres. This area will feature public pathways encircling the channel, which will also help alleviate flooding issues.

IM will also be building wider pavements, eventually linking Pietà, Ta’ Xbiex and Valley Road and introducing 1.6km of cycling and walking paths.

A two-storey car park accommodating 115 car spaces will also be built featuring an underground rainwater collection system to address Msida’s flooding issue.

Mr Ellul highlighted that for the first time in a major infrastructural project the contractor will be tied for 10 years.

Local council opposition

Earlier this month the Msida local council came out against the construction of a flyover, planned to form part of the Msida creek project.

When questioned by journalists, Mr Ellul stated that the agency is in communication with the council for dialogue, but also noted that the consultation process commenced four years ago.

The council at the time had approved the project. The newly PN-led local council, while being fully in favour of the rest of the project, voted in favour of a motion to demand IM to halt the project and reconsider the flyover.

He emphasised that IM had not ignored the council’s input, as the majority of its revisions followed consultation with relevant stakeholders.