Gardesana Occidentale Closure for Tunnel Works Near Limone and Riva

The Gardesana Occidentale between Limone and Riva will remain closed for a month from November 15 to December 15. Once again. However, the traffic blockage is not due to a new landslide but has been arranged to allow the completion of works on the «Epica» tunnel, constructed in record time last spring and temporarily opened on July 8th for the start of the tourist season.

This is a scheduled closure that, however, will cause significant inconvenience for commuters in both directions. The decision was made in recent days during a meeting that brought together Limone’s mayor, Giovan Battista Martinelli, his deputy Francesco Risatti, the Deputy Mayor of Riva del Garda, Pietro Matteotti, and Raffaele De Col, head of the Road Service of the Provincia di Trento, responsible for the works by jurisdiction.

Inauguration and reasons for the closure

The Epica tunnel was inaugurated by the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, last July. The drilling intervention into the mountain became indispensable after the landslide at the end of 2000, which disrupted road connections between the Trentino side, Riva, and the Brescia side, Limone.

The Navigarda has already arranged a more frequent schedule for both passenger boats and ferries. The complete closure of the road will allow the creation of two rescue galleries within the tunnel, which is nearly one kilometer long. Galleries of 60 meters each. This will involve full-time work during the closure month.

Future works and new structures

A second phase of work, lasting two months, is also planned before Easter, between January and March. During this period, a 170-meter cantilever gallery toward Limone, made of steel and concrete, similar to the one built after the February 1999 landslide and the roadway under Mount Sperone, will be constructed.

Once again, access will most likely be restricted full-time. The cantilever gallery is of new design: if impacted by a landslide, it should bend but not break, providing an escape route for passing motorists. An lighting system will also be installed.

The total cost of the Epica tunnel, including the two work phases, is expected to reach around 80 billion euros. The inconvenience to shopkeepers, students, workers, and commuters will be alleviated by the Navigarda service, which has also planned some extraordinary ferry trips to assist the numerous Brescia-based students attending high schools in Alto Garda Trentino.

Thanks and comments

“We thank Navigarda,” stated Limone’s deputy mayor Francesco Risatti, “for the great willingness and support shown in these repeated emergency situations.”