Gardesana Road Closure Update: Landslides, Weather Delays & Future Openings

Limone was left isolated for the entire day yesterday, with only one option for cars – to go up to Tremosine and from there head towards Tignale and Salò. The traffic ban (which has been in place since December 22 in the northbound direction towards Trentino) was enacted the night before yesterday, also in the opposite direction (towards Salò). The restriction and consequent non-passability of Gardesana in the southbound direction was due to the emergency situation at Nanzel, where the road has been interrupted since November 18 and a construction site is open. The issue was caused by persistent rain, which had already discouraged motorists from passing along the state road despite the afternoon opening hours: from 5 pm to 8 pm. Continuous reports of falling stones and earth prompted the supervisors to block traffic. This was also the case yesterday. If weather conditions do not improve, there will be no opening today either, and the blockage may continue for a few more days, as safety conditions – considered essential – are not met. Fortunately, no further landslides occurred on the roads of Tremosine: the inconvenience from a few days ago (with firefighters from Salò and municipal workers intervening between Sermerio and Pregasio) has not been repeated. Thus, the provincial road remains open, the only land route connecting Limone to the rest of the world. By lake, the ferry service continues, further strengthened by Navigarda in recent days. On Gardesana, however, additional falls of stones have been reported at least in two points: Gargnano and Möle, a locality in the municipality of Toscolano Maderno. In the latter case, city police immediately intervened, while ANAS workers went into action yesterday to re-stabilize the escarpment. No damage occurred, and the incident is considered of limited size. But the main issue remains the navigability of the road in the northern section, and yesterday, another inspection was carried out by ANAS personnel, led by the geologist from Rome. The situation of the Nanzel landslide, where total stops have been implemented over the past two days, was observed. The inspection revealed that restoration work must – of course – continue to bring the situation back to normal. The problem, however, is worsened by the ongoing heavy rain showers, which deposit material onto the road. Once the weather improves, the «spider» (a special mechanical vehicle) will work again on the cliff face to clear the area above the state road. This will create a significant issue related to the new situation that has developed: the landslide – and all the work involved to secure the area – will result in the removal of a large amount of material. This involves a significant quantity, estimated between 10,000 and 15,000 cubic meters. And it’s not just earth and gravel, but also logs and roots that have been dislodged. At this point, technicians will face a dilemma: to dump all this material into the lake or transport it to a landfill. Whatever decision is made, based on considerations of speed, environmental impact, and cost, it is clear that the operation will incur very different expenses. The scheduled completion date is April 14, Easter Eve, but there is a widespread sense that the work will be completed earlier than the deadline set by the ANAS ordinance. The other point of fracture on Gardesana is located at Rocchetta (a few hundred meters south of Riva). As Bresciaoggi reported in recent days, a possible opening has appeared. The Trentino authorities are willing to consider intervening and reopening the road. The plan is for June, with some restrictions: transit allowed only for a few hours per day (excluding nighttime), contingent upon safety conditions to be assured. This small but significant opening was appreciated by Limone’s mayor, Battista Martinelli, who also urged further efforts to advance the timeline.