Province completes urgent tunnel project in four months amid praise
On December 22, the last landslide of a long series falls on the Occidentale.
Two days later, Dellai, after consulting his technical team and evaluating reports that condemn the first “undefendable” section of the old Occidentale to destruction, decisively favors the tunnel option, raising significant concerns among those (limonesi at the forefront) who fear two years of closure.
Project Implementation and Works
On February 7, the president signs the project; within the following eight days, the province selects the company Collini-Oberosler through a negotiated procedure due to urgent necessity, to carry out the works. The first landmine detonates on March 5, the last on June 15.
In the three weeks afterward, sidewalks approximately forty centimeters high were constructed on both sides of the carriageway, covering the roadbed, which conceals bundles of cables, electricity, telephone lines, control systems, alarm systems, and tunnel ventilation components. During the same period, ventilation fans and sensors to detect any rock movements were installed.
Final Touches and Completion Work
The paving was completed late yesterday afternoon: as of noon, about seventy meters of the surface remained to be covered. The ceiling is temporarily covered with a special coating: it hardens very quickly but is not permanent. This solution is perfect for an interim work scheduled for completion next autumn, when, after the tourist pressure subsides, work will resume for the finishing touches (including two additional windows, each approximately 150 meters long, between the new road and the old one outside on the lake).
Such a project, completed in four months without incident, has already earned the congratulations of President Dellai, who showcased it as one of the highlights of provincial autonomy, demonstrating the capacity to face and resolve problems effectively. The same congratulations will come tomorrow from President Ciampi, when he cuts the ribbon at the tunnel entrance.
