PA funds restoration of old railway embankment in Attard

In an effort to safeguard and conserve a substantial survivor of the Malta railway line, the planning authority has partially funded the restoration and conservation of the Attard embankment.

Besides the remaining former railway stations and tunnels, this engineered structure is, undoubtedly, the most important surviving architecture associated with Malta’s transportation heritage.

The Planning Authority, through its Development Planning Fund, contributed over €145,000 to ensure that the restoration project, carried out by the Attard Local Council, got completed. The works included the removal of thick vegetation which were causing considerable damage to the masonry fabric, the elimination of non-historic rubble and accretions on and immediately abutting the embankment and the stone replacement of severely eroded masonry elements.

The restoration method statement on how the works were to be carried out was approved by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the Development Planning Fund said “the purpose of this fund is to widen its scope and therefore give greater flexibility to what projects can qualify for funding. The Attard embankment project is a clear example that local councils and other organisations are never short of ideas. We are working side by side them to ensure that ambitious projects do not get delayed but are carried out to safeguard our heritage and enhance the quality of life within our towns and villages.”

The Attard embankment structure which stretches to a length of almost 400metres structure was built to make good the topographical depression half-way along the railway route from

Valletta with Mdina.

Built around 1882 the Attard embankment linked the St. Antonio platform (which was a small stop for visitors to the famed gardens nearby) with the Attard Station. The embankment, composed of earth and masonry, was the highest of its kind and included a steel metal bridge over Birkirkara Road as well as two small masonry viaducts allowing passage of farmers between their fields.

The Malta Railway was inaugurated on the 28th February 1883. The line started from Valletta to the old capital city of Mdina at a length of nearly 7 miles. There were six stations along the route which were Valletta, Hamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, Rabat and Mtarfa. The railway passenger train made its last journey on the 31st March 1931.