Altogardesana Road Improvements: New Tunnel, Safety Nets, and Funding
Altogardesana road network still under the spotlight. Two main points are at the center of attention: the new Rocchetta tunnel (between Limone and Riva) and the installation of safety nets at Forbisicle (between Gargnano and Campione). The new tunnel is just under a kilometer long and was built in record time, with the inauguration by President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi in early July. The work has not been completed definitively, and the opening has been granted only on a provisional basis to allow traffic during the tourist season.
Yesterday, in Trento, the Conference of Services was convened to allocate the necessary funding: 45 billion euros, in addition to the 20 billion already spent. The conference involved all relevant authorities (Region, Province, Municipalities, Forest Service) to streamline and accelerate procedures related to the project.
While there is no doubt that the works will be funded and carried out, the essential step remains: the awarding of the contract, which will take place in the coming days. The work will include completing the new tunnel, with finishing works (permanent lighting and ventilation, improvement of the transverse tunnel that connects the new tunnel to the old “Gardesana” and is also expected to serve as a safety valve), as well as extending the new tunnel toward Riva and Limone.
Works and timelines
“The works towards the south,” says Limone mayor Giambattista Martinelli, “will cover the section of the road running between the new tunnel and the next one toward Brescia. A cover will be built between the two tunnels to ensure complete safety for motorists.” Another tunnel will be constructed between the newly built tunnel and Riva, approximately one hundred meters long.
Regarding timing, it is expected that the contractor will begin operations in November, with completion scheduled within eight months. At this point, further traffic disruptions could be anticipated.
“I was assured a few days ago that I will be informed before any decisions are made regarding the road closure. I believe a nightly closure is likely,” reassures Mayor Martinelli.
Situation at Forbisicle and upcoming decisions
The second issue concerns the usual bottleneck at Forbisicle. This morning, the managers of Anas in Milan will meet with the mayors of Limone, Tremosine, and Tignale, as well as a representative of the Parco Alto Garda Mountain Community.
The key topic will be the decision on when to resume the interrupted works from July. The closure at this point will last at least two months, and a decision on the start date and the working hours for the contractor will be made this morning.
