Bureaucratic Delays Stall Brescia Highway 11 Bypass Opening

Here we go again. The bureaucratic delays and cumbersome procedures of Anas will prevent the quick opening of the new section of the state highway 11 “Padana Superiore,” better known as the Ponte San Marco bypass (initial cost 33 billion). This is a 6.5-kilometer stretch that, from Brescia’s South bypass, connects to the Lonato bypass. Once opened, it will free the Calcinato area from heavy and transit traffic, allowing the entire route from Castegnato to Sirmione to be traversed without interruptions.

The project has been awaited for at least a decade, and now, just when it seemed the moment had come and the works were nearing completion, here comes yet another setback. “Funds are available in the Triennial Plan,” stressed a disheartened Mauro Parolini, provincial public works commissioner. So, why this delay? “The issue boils down to one word: authorization. Anas has requested it from Rome for the preparation of the supplementary report with a total estimate of 19 billion to enable the completion of works included in supporting structures, which are essential for opening the route. Instead, we will have to wait another year for this key approval.” Motorists will thus need to use the old state road, now unable to handle current traffic volumes, pass the Ponte San Marco traffic light, then, inching along often in traffic jams, reach the Lonato bypass entrance, traveling a section of provincial road 28 Calcinato-Bedizzole.

Necessity of interventions on the bypass

But what is missing from the bypass for it to be usable? Parolini, supported by ing. Carlo Faccin, head of the Technical Office of the provincial Public Works department, explained that the lighting system and the ventilation of the tunnel are not yet installed. Additionally, the installation and delivery of guardrails, horizontal and vertical signage, and landscaping works need to be completed. The total amount for these improvements is 17.2 billion, plus approximately 2 billion for the construction of two roundabouts along provincial road Calcinato-Bedizzole and at the junction with the ss 11 bypass.

Parolini clarified that the artificial tunnel is 1260 meters long and equipped for telematic control concerning safety. Regarding its length, it falls within the infrastructure of the “Monte Bianco” circular route. “The drainable internal lining will be executed with paneling up to 4 meters high, resistant for 90 minutes at temperatures exceeding 400 degrees.” Another road junction addressed by the assessor was the intersection of the state highway 11 and the 567 Desenzano-Castiglione, in Perla, where a underpass, a flyover, and the connecting ramps have been constructed.

Projects and ongoing works

The company “Serenissima” will complete its work by late July or early August. But what will remain afterwards? The Anas inspection, which – according to the assessor – will take a few months. An incredible situation, considering the road is ready. Parolini has expressed his frustration about the bureaucratic delays – “it’s absurd to have to wait so long” – and has called for a more streamlined procedure.

Finally, the section of the Lonato-Sirmione bypass reaching the Veronese border. All set? Not at all. The exit to Rovina is missing because the Municipality of Sirmione opposes traffic passing through the narrow streets of the hamlet. The result? The Provinces of Brescia and Verona will share the project costs equally (based on a verbal agreement) to create a bypass road around the town.

Lastly, Mauro Parolini confirmed that the new tunnel between Riva and Limone will be inaugurated. However, the proposed date of July 8 remains unofficial, as it depends on the visit of President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to Trentino, which might delay the inauguration by a week. “The structure,” Parolini concluded, “needs finishing work. It will be closed for a few hours each day for maintenance, but the inconveniences and disruptions will decrease significantly.”