Commuters left in traffic gridlock as Sigma iGaming convention returns to Marsa

Thousands of commuters were left facing traffic gridlock throughout Tuesday as the Sigma iGaming convention returned to Marsa for a second year running.The Sigma convention is being held at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub in Marsa, which is situated o

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 12 2024
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Commuters left in traffic grid

Thousands of commuters were left facing traffic gridlock throughout Tuesday as the Sigma iGaming convention returned to Marsa for a second year running.

The Sigma convention is being held at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub in Marsa, which is situated on Aldo Moro Road – the country’s main thoroughfare linking the north of the island with the south.

Heavy traffic was reported throughout the day, with the traffic jam starting in Kappara and ending at the entrance for the convention on Aldo Moro Road – a traffic jam spanning around 8 kilometres.

Other roads such as the Mriehel bypass and the Birkirkara bypass also suffered significant gridlock.

This is the second year running that Sigma is being held in Marsa – last year there were near identical issues, with the country plunged into traffic gridlock because of the convention, which usually attracts around 25,000 attendees.

Sigma’s founder Eman Pulis had said last year that the change of venue – the convention used to be organised at the Mediterranean Fairs & Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali – had “paid off beautifully” despite the traffic chaos that it had caused.

"I understand on day one, traffic flow across the country was impacted and the inconvenience is regretted," he had said. "A few valuable lessons have been learnt to mitigate for next year," he said.

However, whatever lessons learnt from last year seem to have not had any impact on the situation this year.

Transport Malta last week announced that it would be introducing traffic management measures for the event to avoid the gridlock caused last year, with measures including designated pick-up and drop-off points at different areas and enforcing geofencing around the area as well.