City Plans Ring Road to Improve Traffic and Boost Local Development
The city defines the traffic flow connected to the ring road and in particular resolves the issue regarding the connection between the Rivoltella interchange and via Pratomaggiore. Between the ring road and Rivoltella’s built-up area, there is, in fact, the barrier formed by the Milan-Venice railway line. To cross it, drivers have only two small tunnels, which are too narrow to allow the simultaneous transit of vehicles in both directions.
For this reason, traffic in the area of the railway underpass is regulated by traffic lights allowing it to be traversed alternately. However, a few hundred meters away, there is another identical railway underpass. There are two possible solutions: widen the existing underpass that connects to via Pratomaggiore or construct a second one a few meters away, simultaneously enlarging the connecting road.
Alternatively, a sort of road ring could be built, permitting traffic to travel along the road leading to the first underpass in one direction and the other connecting to the second in the opposite direction. This is the preferred solution, although a specific assignment for the adjustment and refurbishment of the ring road exit at via Pratomaggiore has been awarded in the last City Council meeting to engineer Diego Guerini.
Thus, instead of building a new tunnel, which could cause problems for railway traffic due to delays, the plan is to create a ‘ring’ connecting the two tunnels, with one used for traffic in one direction and the other for the opposite lane.
New developmental zones and local growth
The most significant innovation related to the traffic improvement project is the possibility of establishing a new area for artisanal production facilities in this zone. The idea is not new, but it has always been hindered by the issue of access roads.
It is indeed unthinkable to locate new entrepreneurial activities in an area lacking adequate road infrastructure, let alone if the presence of tunnels restricts normal traffic and even limits the transit of trucks of certain sizes.
In short, the approval for the arrangement of access roads could be accompanied by a proposal for a variations to the Urban Master Plan and the identification of a new settlement area now located in Rivoltella. This initiative would undoubtedly help boost the development of the town, a goal long supported by local residents and groups who also aim to enhance the lake area for tourism purposes.
The Administration is also moving in this direction, having decided to issue a European tender to design and build the Rivoltella lakeside promenade. Promotion of tourism and development of small artisanal businesses inland, beyond the railway and away from the lake, do not seem incompatible and should bring benefits to the economy of this part of the city.
Of course, decisions regarding the PRG (Territorial Regulatory Plan) are entrusted to the City Council, which is expected to approve a variation to the plan.
