Nine British-era bridges across Malta and Gozo were granted Grade 2 and Grade 3 protection by the Planning Authority.
“These bridges are more than just physical crossings. They are historical threads that connect communities, eras, and the intertwined civilian and military histories that have shaped our islands,” said Mr. Michael Portelli, Planning Officer of the Heritage Planning Unit.
“By protecting them, we are preserving stories etched in stone, investing in memory, beauty, and national pride,” he added.
The decision was reached by the Heritage Planning Unit in collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) marks a continued commitment to safeguarding Malta’s civil engineering legacy.
Several of the bridges were vital to 19th century military logistics, particularly those tied to the Victoria Lines, the extensive defensive network built by the British to protect the island’s northern territory.
The newly scheduled bridges showcase the period they were constructed in. From elegant single-arch structures to multi-arch viaducts crafted primarily from globigerina limestone, a material that has long shaped Malta’s architectural identity.
Several also incorporate early concrete techniques, illustrating the evolution of engineering practices over time.
The nine scheduled bridges are:
Constitution Road Bridge, Valletta. A triple-arched limestone viaduct built in 1929, featuring ornamental round openings and spanning Wied il-Għasel.
Civil Defence Road Bridge, Mosta. Originally a metal span completed in 1871, later reconstructed in limestone and concrete, demonstrating adaptive reuse of earlier military infrastructure.
Dwejra Old and New Bridges, Gozo. Situated in a protected ecological and archaeological zone, these bridges combine natural landscape with historic utility.
Għemmieri Bridge, Rabat. A two-arch limestone viaduct likely dating to the late 1800s, associated with the movement of troops along the Victoria Lines.
Wied id-Dis Bridge, Madliena. A striking seven-arch limestone bridge constructed in 1880 by British military engineers for strategic transport.
Tal-Isperanza Bridge, Mosta. A charming single-arch bridge dated 1905, gracefully spanning the serene Speranza Valley.
Tas-Salib Bridge, near Mtarfa. A late 19th-century single-arch bridge, historically connected to the Victoria Lines and the Wignacourt aqueduct via a large metal water pipe still visible today.
Wied il-Qlejgħa Bridges. Two bridges overlooking each other, probably late 19th century. The Old Bridge leading to the church of San Pawl tal-Qlejgħa and the New Bridge forming part of a very important road in Malta.
The full list of scheduled buildings in Malta and Gozo may be accessed from the Authority’s website.