Western Gardesana Road Updates: Safety Assessment and Tunnel Construction
The Western Gardesana might be reopened, at least partially, to vehicular traffic by summer. Starting as early as June, traffic could be allowed on this important route for a few hours each day.
The Provincia autonoma di Trento has examined a project that involves remediating the material still threatening from above the section of Gardesana affected by last month’s landslide. The results of geological assessments will be critical in determining the outcome.
The reopening of the road connection between Limone and Riva depends on the level of safety that can be assured. However, restoring the roadway damaged by the landslide is essential to enable the setup of construction sites for the new tunnel.
Interventions and Timelines
These interventions are expected to be completed within six months. The new tunnel connecting Riva and Limone, approximately 1,200 meters long with four exits, should be inaugurated by summer 2002.
“Finally, good news,” comments Limone’s mayor Giovan Battista Martinelli, who advises caution. “The official communication has not yet arrived. We still need to wait for the results of technical assessments.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Provincia di Trento is considering this possibility indicates that the road, once safety measures are implemented, could become passable again.”
Looking Ahead
“Until a few days ago, reopening was not even discussed; it was a word erased from the vocabulary,” says Riva’s mayor Cesare Malossini. “With the decision to carry out extensive and deep excavations to make the road as safe as possible, that prospect now seems realistic.
In short, it appears a big step forward has been taken, and we owe this to the Provincia, which is also making significant efforts to speed up the construction of the tunnel from Riva to Lo Sperone.
Who knows, perhaps the Regione Lombardia will also move faster in response. It is still uncertain whether a geologist, appointed alongside the Trentino one, has been tasked with assessing the situation.
Preparations and Discussions
“We hope conditions will allow the Gardesana to reopen before June,” emphasizes Martinelli. “Ideally, by Easter, when tourist activity is at its peak.
Three months remain, and in this interval, safety work could be completed: the most recent landslide was not as extensive as the February ’99 event. If Lombardy decides to collaborate with Trentino, all the better.
On Wednesday, in Milan, I will meet with Anas and provincial and regional officials.”
Meanwhile, the mayors of the Brescia Riviera have scheduled a meeting with Minister for Public Works Nesi at the end of the month.