Tunnel proposed to cater for increased traffic to St George’s Bay

A 1.3km tunnel is being proposed in Pembroke to access the proposed high-rise developments in St Julian’s.

A tunnel directly connecting the proposed developments, including the City Centre development proposed by the DB Group, with the Triq Sant’ Andrija/Triq Suffolk junction in Pembroke, is being proposed in a Transport Impact Assessment .

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.

Transport Malta will be responsible for the design of the new tunnel.

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 (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.

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.