Road Infrastructure Projects on the Trans-European

Extension of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to Malta

In 2001, the Ministry for Transport and Communications had commissioned a Transport Infrastructure Needs Assessment (TINA) study of air, sea and road transport modes under the Malta-EU IVth Financial Protocol. The findings and recommendations of the Malta TINA study subsequently formed the basis for technical discussions with DG Transport and Energy of the European Commission in 2002, with the objective of extending the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to Malta. After lengthy dialogue, it was agreed that the TEN-T in Malta would incorporate the airport, four seaports and 51 km of main road network (see Figure 1). Decision 1692/96/EC on the Guidelines for the Development of the Trans-European Transport Network was subsequently technically adapted to incorporate the approved TEN-T of Malta and the other new EU Member States.

External Funding possibilities for the TEN-T in Malta and Gozo

Projects on the TEN-T network that are aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of goods and passenger transport may be eligible for co-financing using EU funds; namely: Cohesion Fund, European Regional Development Fund and TEN-T financing (in the case of projects of international common interest). The European Investment Bank has also earmarked Euro50 billion to lend to Member States for TEN-T projects between 2004 and 2010. The Cohesion Fund, however, is considered to be the principal funding mechanism for TEN-T projects, as this fund exclusively support environment and transport (TEN-T) projects.

The co-financing of the TEN-T infrastructure projects under the Cohesion Fund is conditional upon the projects being environmentally acceptable and feasible (both in technical and financial terms), in addition such projects must be consistent with EU objectives.

TEN-T Project Feasibility Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments?

In February 2004, French Engineering Consultants BCEOM (Société Française D'Ingénierie) were contracted (using Pre-accession Funds) to carry out the required technical and financial feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments associated with projects on the TEN-T in Malta .

The studies were carried out over a nine month period and may be divided into a number of inter-related phases:

Phase 1 - Data Collection

The first phase of the studies involved extensive data collection and surveying of the existing TEN-T road network in Malta; namely:

• Conducting roadside and ATC traffic counts at the key links and junctions
• Carrying journey time observations on selected network links
• Collecting road accident statistics
• Observing pedestrian movements on the network
• Examining geometrical layout of road and junctions
• Surveying condition of road surfaces, road signage and road markings
• Identifying the current provision for pedestrians and cyclists
• Structurally inspecting tunnels and bridges
• Assessing provision of utilities i.e. storm-water drainage, street lighting
• Mapping of land uses and environmentally sensitive areas

Phase 2 - Traffic Forecasting and Sustainability

The next phase of the study involved the performance and safety assessment of the existing TEN-T road network. Future motorisation levels based on forecast vehicle composition, population and economic growth were estimated up to the year 2025 and safety audits were carried out on all the links and junctions on the road network.

During this phase it became clear that the TEN-T road network has a limited, finite capacity and the urbanised section of Malta's TEN-T between St. Andrew's and Santa Venera is approaching its practical capacity. The restricting factor in this area is a combination of the capacity of the three road tunnels, the limits to the amount of traffic that can safely merge with or diverge onto the main road and the existing urban fabric of the area.

In view of these inherent limitations, the following sustainability principles were used to guide the engineering design and environmental impact assessment teams:

• Improve safety
• Reduce polluting emissions and waste
• Respect for people and communities
• Support economic activities
• Value culture and heritage
• Value natural resources

Phase 3 - Development of road network proposals and selection of preferred option

A number of different proposal variants for upgrading each link and junction on the TEN-T were developed for discussion purposes. The alternative options were presented to representatives from the Malta Transport Authority and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. For each section on the network, a preferred option was selected on the basis of a number of parameters [traffic capacity link and junction, land availability, physical constraints, environmental constraints, budget, perceived need, economic benefits and other local factors.

The draft Final Study Report is recommending the following upgrading of the TEN-T network in Malta:

• Reconstruction of 14.0km of existing road carriageway;
• Widening and reconstruction of 12.4km of existing road carriageway from single to dual carriageway;
• Re-alignment of 2.3km at Ghadira (380m), Maghtab (500m), Bahar ic-Caghaq (200m), Msida, (400m) and Marsa (800m);
• Construction of a new 6.0 km road to by-pass Xemxija and Mistra;
• Construction of 9 new grade separated junctions;
• Rehabilitation of 18 bridges, the replacement of 11 bridges, and the demolition of 2 bridges;
• Construction of 9 new bridges;
• Upgrading of existing three tunnels;
• Construction of three tunnels, Manikata, (499m), Ibrag, (370m), Paceville (242m).

The total estimated cost of these proposed improvements amounts to €315M (ex-VAT) of which €110M would be required for the upgrading of tunnels and bridges. Other items related to road infrastructure such as street lighting, signage, and landscaping are also included in the total cost.

The economic analysis of the proposed schemes (required in support of any future application for co-financing under the Cohesion Fund) takes into account the benefits and dis-benefits that would arise from improved road infrastructure. Benefits to road users consist of lower vehicle operating costs, journey-time savings and lower accident costs. The results of the analysis undertaken for all projects indicate a positive economic rate or internal rate of return for all projects (higher than 15%) and the whole TEN-T project, as being recommended in the draft Final Study Report, is economically viable.

In general, the proposed improvements would result in environmental enhancement of the existing road corridor. Environmentally sensitive sections have been identified at the northern part of the island with the preferred schemes being those that have the least impacts on the natural environment. Other environmental effects such as noise and air pollution have also been anticipated along the central section (between Swieqi and Marsa) due to the proximity of this major route to densely populated areas. These environmental effects have been minimised by adopting appropriate highway design and by implementing mitigation measures such as noise barriers, surface water runoff discharge treatment, landscaping, etc.

Public Consultation

The next phase of the Study shall involve a major public consultation exercise with the key stakeholders. In early February 2005, the project design drawings for the 'preferred' options and their associated environmental impact assessments shall be published and four weeks later, two regional consultation sessions shall be held for key stakeholders.

Members of the public shall also be given the opportunity to give their views and comments on the proposed road improvement schemes. Copies of relevant reports shall be made available for public viewing at the offices of the Malta Transport Authority. After taking into consideration the feedback received from the public consultation, the projects shall be prioritised and the Malta Transport Authority shall start preparing the required planning applications and project pipelines for the funding period 2007-13.