Sliema to Gżira Bus Lane to Reopen Temporarily for Festive Shopping
In brief
- Enemalta will pause cable laying works along Triq ix-Xatt between Sliema and Gżira for the upcoming shopping period.
- The dedicated bus lane is scheduled to reopen to traffic by 26 November ahead of Black Friday.
- The temporary reopening aims to alleviate heavy traffic congestion during the peak Christmas retail season.
Enemalta has announced a temporary suspension of its infrastructure works along the main thoroughfare linking Sliema and Gżira, allowing the dedicated bus lane on Triq ix-Xatt to reopen ahead of the busy Black Friday weekend.
The bus lane, which has been closed to facilitate major electricity distribution upgrades, is scheduled to become accessible to traffic once again by 26 November. The move comes as commercial districts across the harbour area brace for a sharp influx of shoppers.
Triq ix-Xatt serves as a primary arterial route connecting several densely populated commercial and residential neighbourhoods. The road closures and lane restrictions linked to the ongoing cable installation had generated significant commuting delays and public frustration in recent weeks.
Energy officials confirmed that halting the trenching and cable laying operations during late November and throughout December is intended to minimise further disruption for public transport commuters, motorists, and local businesses during their most critical trading season.
The ongoing infrastructural scheme in the area forms part of a broader national initiative to reinforce the medium-voltage electricity distribution network, designed to enhance grid stability and meet surging power demands in Sliema, Gżira, and surrounding localities.
Contractors are expected to reinstate the road surface temporarily to ensure safe passage before works pause. Enemalta indicated that the remaining phases of the cable project will resume following the conclusion of the Christmas and New Year festive period.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. All reporting outlets covered Enemalta's announcement and the planned reopening date factually and consistently.