The first visuals of how four major tunnels around Malta will look following a major renovation have been released, and the tunnels are looking more modern than ever.

Transport Minister Ian Borg announced the renovation of the four main tunnels, saying the works would lead to safer tunnels with a better long-term structural stability.

“We are determined to improve Malta’s infrastructure in every way possible,” said Dr Borg. “In order to do this at the highest possible standard, we have to think ahead and plan long-term. That is why in 2018 we were already commissioning technical assessments of the tunnels’ conditions.”

The minister explained that this study concluded that while they are structurally sound and do not have any critical damage, they are in need of substantial maintenance work and localised repairs. The tunnels’ electricity and lighting equipment was found to be obsolete and needs to be replaced in order to meet international standards.

A major upgrade of the tunnels’ fire safety, security and emergency systems is also required according to the analysis

Infrastructure Malta will now be issuing a number of calls for offers for the extensive works required to repair and upgrade the Kirkop Tunnels, the Santa Venera Tunnels, the Tal-Qroqq Tunnels and the Ta’ Giorni Tunnels.

The oldest of the four tunnels is the Ta’ Giorni Tunnel, dating back to 1967, while the most recent one, the Tal-Qroqq Tunnel, was built in 1996. Each structure includes two unidirectional two-lane tunnels, in opposite directions, accommodating over 4.8 kilometres of lanes of the Maltese arterial road network.

“This project is another example of the different ways in which we are working, through a holistic plan that does not stop at the cosmetic aspects of infrastructure,” Dr Borg continued. “Infrastructure does not begin and stop with just roads. We are looking at the entire transport network and this also includes the tunnels in our country. We are thus interested in ensuring safe and stable structures that are also equipped with safer facilities. I look forward to another successful implementation as part of this new project and to continue witnessing an improvement in the quality of life of people and in the standards of our infrastructure.”

Through this project, Infrastructure Malta will clean the tunnel walls to remove years of soot, before carrying out the required repairs and maintenance works

A ground-penetrating radar study for the Ta’ Giorni and Santa Venera rock-cut tunnels will then be carried out to identify any subsurface areas that might need additional repairs.

The existing electricity and lighting installations are to be dismantled to make way for several new systems, including new light fixtures, CCTV cameras, fire alarms and air quality sensors. In each tunnel, these systems will be linked to a new control room, which will be built as part of the same project. In case of an emergency, the tunnels’ systems can be monitored and operated from these control rooms. The CCTV cameras and sensors will also be linked to the national Traffic Control Centre for constant monitoring. They will also be connected to an incident detection system that can automatically alert the authorities of any difficulties such as fires or stopped vehicles.

The emergency escapes in each tunnel will be upgraded and equipped with fire doors, emergency call stations, emergency exit signage and evacuation marker lights. Each tunnel will also have fire hydrants and other firefighting equipment.

This investment further includes the application of specialised coatings to the vertical walls of the structures, to improve visibility and facilitate routine cleaning and maintenance. The eight tunnel portals will be embellished by repairing the existing masonry and introducing new architectural features. The emergency footpaths inside the tunnels will be repaired, whilst the surfaces of their carriageways will be replaced with new asphalt.

The Minister announced that Infrastructure Malta is planning to start works inside these tunnels later this year, as soon as the required contractors are identified through the ongoing procurement processes. He said that any interventions necessitating the full closure of the tunnel tubes will be carried out at night as much as possible, to minimise difficulties for road users.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]