Watch: Honking Chaos Erupts In Xemxija After ‘Poorly Planned’ Road Works Cause Standstill Traffic
A parade of honking chaos ensued last night after “poorly planned” road works caused standstill traffic for hours on end throughout yesterday evening in Xemxija.
Yesterday, Infrastructure Malta closed the main road of Xemxija, Xatt tal-Pwales, in both directions, leading to drivers having no choice but to go through Miżieb and Manikata.
However, the major road closure was only announced just mere hours before, therefore not allowing drivers much time to actually get the news.
Videos sent to Lovin Malta by PN MP Ivan Castillo shows a never-ending line of cars all stuck next to each other with only one Transport Malta official on site to direct traffic.
The road should have entirely been finished by 15th June, due to the laws related to excavation and demolition within touristic areas in the summer months.
But over a month later, they’re still ongoing, due to a part of the project which was forgotten during the process, leading workers to have to excavate the area again.
“Xemxija total disaster. Planning zero – you do these works in a touristic area in peak hours?” Castillo told Lovin Malta.
“People called me and told me they were stuck there for more than 45 minutes in the same area, after a day of work!” he lamented.
He continued to explain that these works needs to be thought of better – by offering clear diversion routes, ensuring good organisation, and excavating one side of the road rather than both sides.
Castillo also claimed that apart from the one Transport Malta official, third party security guards were on site, with no proper training in Maltese road management.
“On Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th, Xatt tal-Pwales in Xemxija will be closed from 8pm to 5am, in both directions due to asphalt layer works,” Infrastructure Malta said on Facebook yesterday.
The road will be closed again this evening – so tag someone to let them know to avoid the area.
Did you get stuck in this traffic yesterday?
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