Local Authorities Threaten Protest Over Delayed Highway Completion

Protests, even loud ones. Local authorities promise that they will not hesitate to resort to strong measures. “We are considering marches and demonstrations – they inform us – but we exclude nothing, from delays caused by extended construction times at traffic lights to real traffic blocks.” The only motivation, unfortunately always the same: the delays in completing work on the 45bis highway. “Of course, we hope not to have to carry out what has been announced – the administrators continue – because we are well aware that the toll would be paid once again by the users, already severely penalized by a situation that is becoming more and more unsustainable. However, if we are forced by the situation, we will not limit ourselves to words.” The reality is that days are passing, and while the deadline previously announced by Anas for the closure of the construction sites – the end of June – approaches, doubts are increasing regarding the adherence to deadlines.

To assess the current situation, an meeting was held at Broletto, attended by the provincial councilor for Public Works Parolini, the presidents of the Mountain Communities, and the local mayors. During the meeting, “a unanimous concern was expressed about the progress of the works – despite the verbal declaration from the Anas division manager to the provincial councilor, regarding the opening of both directions of the road by the early days of July – as it stands, the progress is clearly delayed compared to this optimistic hypothesis.”

Facing the “unsustainable state of discomfort that the local communities continue to endure due to the heavy traffic situation”, all present administrators agreed in requesting an Anas “urgent site inspection, to be carried out by next week, to take note of the progress of the works, in relation to the actual possibility of opening both the State Road and the Tormini Interconnection in a timely manner,” a reopening that must occur within 60 days.

With the calendar in hand, the calculations are quickly made: the ultimatum from Province, Mountain Communities, and Municipalities will expire unavoidably on July 2. The Anas has been warned. However, that date will not wait for action. Clear guarantees are demanded immediately: “In the absence of official assurances from Anas regarding the respect of the timelines – the statement written at the end of the meeting affirms – the presidents of the Mountain Communities and the mayor have expressed their intention to undertake loud protests.” As previously mentioned, the nature of those protests was outlined earlier.

“Never before today – agree the local administrators – have we been so united and firm in our intentions, so determined to act, and willing to take on significant responsibilities if necessary. Make no mistake, no one will back down at the right moment.” No excuses will be accepted either: because it will no longer be possible to claim pretexts, not even of financial nature. The funds are available: and, if needed, Parolini reiterated that “the Province is willing to advance to Anas the amounts necessary to facilitate the completion of the works within the established terms.” (giu.)