Brescia-Trento Tunnel Nears Completion Ahead of Presidential Opening

Duilio Coazzi, Brescia-based director of the Collini-Oberosler company’s construction site, turned the handle yesterday afternoon, shortly after 5 p.m. The explosion knocked down the last remaining diaphragm in the new tunnel, which will provide access to Limone from Riva del Garda. Next to him was another Brescia native, Vittorio Ottelli, a Valtrumplino now residing in Botticino, the technical director of the same company that completed the work in a record time by yesterday, the scheduled date. The nearly one-thousand-meter tunnel (costing 22 billion lire) will soon become passable for vehicles, albeit temporarily, while awaiting finishing touches. The final inspection of the tunnel was made possible thanks to Enrico Zambotti, from the Provincia di Trento, assistant project supervisor: ongoing works, water collection and channeling beneath the future road surface, temporary lighting, partly already operational. Everything suggests that the opening date set by the contract for July 27 could be moved forward, although some superstition remains. The inauguration of the new tunnel (whose completion is planned for this winter) might see the presence of President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, who is expected to visit Trentino. A few officials hint that the President might arrive in Limone by helicopter, with the date being July 8. However, there is no official confirmation yet. Paolo Nicolussi, project director for the Provincia di Trento, states, «We didn’t encounter particular difficulties and managed to accelerate the timeline. An earlier opening than July 28? I couldn’t say, but it’s not out of the question.» This marks the end of the first chapter – the construction of the new tunnel – which previously raised doubts and controversy. Moreover, Eugenio Castelli from the Università di Trieste, whose report left no room for rebuttal: «That section of Gardesana is indefensible,» he wrote, sparking quite a debate. Yesterday, Castelli observed the flurry of workers and officials present and commented: «My study has also been reviewed by the Politecnici of Milan and Turin, who agree with me, which is reassuring. Thus, this project, which—objectively—was the only viable solution, could finally begin.» Now, everyone agrees with him. Commissioner of Government Alberto de Muro, former Prefect of Brescia, commented: «It’s an additional link between Trento and Brescia, regions united by cultural, historical, and today, tourist, ties. The celebration is shared, and credit goes to the executing company.» Similar sentiments are echoed by Lorenzo Dellai, President of the Provincia di Trento: «The project will reconnect the two provinces, which share many similarities and have numerous issues to address together, efficiently and promptly.» Alberto Cavalli, President of the Provincia di Brescia, added: «Brescia and Trento border not only in water but also on land, and can undertake joint projects to face national and European challenges. The efficiency and responsiveness of the people of Trento should be an inspiration. Their willingness is also due to a much larger budget than ours, but it’s worth noting that they have also taken on Brescia’s problems. “This is not an act of generosity,” Cavalli added, “but a conscious initiative to meet a need. I emphasize that Trento demonstrates resources and administrative quality to solve problems quickly, whereas we have to go to Rome with our hat in hand. We hope that now Parliament and the Government will be more willing to listen and pay attention to us.» Furthermore, «the ANAS, who owns the road, must commit to finding the 300 billion lire needed for the stretch between Gargnano and the Trentino border, which has long been demanded by the upper Garda area. This remains a hope, but the success of involving the municipalities of Brescia, Trento, and also the Province of Brescia, which has voiced the broader public interest, should be reaffirmed.» Fabrizio Bontempi, councilor in Tignale, stated: «Finally. The deadlines were respected and, even if the local businesses bore significant sacrifices, it was certainly worth it. When weighing costs and benefits, I believe we will be satisfied in the long run.» The mayor of Limone, Battista Martinelli, concluded: «We thank Trento for the miracle; when we first discussed it, it seemed science-fiction, but we’re now awaiting a near opening.» He ends with the word most heard yesterday: finally!