Photo credit: www.francebleu.fr
The Col de Tende Road Tunnel, a strategic crossroads between Piedmont and Liguria in Italy and the entire state of France, is at the center of a heated debate between the Liguria Region and opposition councilor Enrico Ioculano. After the disruption caused by Hurricane Alex in 2020, mobility in the area has proven challenging, emphasizing the urgent need for the swift completion of the restoration works—a demand that hasn’t always been met due to the complexity of the damages. Currently, while the Liguria Region reaffirms the completion of the works by June 2024, Ioculano raises doubts about the feasibility of the schedule, specifically the planned timing for individual interventions.
The council discussion witnessed Ioculano posing questions about the consistency between the continuous assurances from Anas, the Government, and local authorities and the reality of the situation: “Simultaneously, there are delays in the program and assurances are promptly contradicted.” He also mentioned the concerns of the trade representatives of Limone Piemonte, expressed in a demonstration denouncing the slowdowns of recent weeks. Ioculano stated, “Recently, I conducted an on-site inspection; we observed significant activity compared to when we went unannounced. A week passes, and the mayor of Tende reports that very few people are working. Given the strategic importance of the project involving Italian and French authorities for the restoration of the road between Piedmont, Liguria, Italy, and France, does the Liguria Region intend to take action?”
Photo credit: www.societaitalianagallerie.it
In response, Assessor Giacomo Giampedrone confirmed the commitment of the company to complete the works and restore circulation by June 2024, emphasizing the presence of 160 workers and 20 technicians on the construction site. “During the execution of the works, technical difficulties arose, especially on the French side and for the foundation piles of the new bridge due to the nature of the terrain. These are challenges being studied and in the process of resolution.” The amount allocated for the completion of the project has not changed from the figure agreed upon by the company on October 6, 2023.
Despite the statements, Ioculano remained skeptical: “When we are given assurances, they are contradicted within a few days. The French technical committee told Anas that if there are no clarifications, the next CIG (Intergovernmental Commission for the Improvement of Franco-Italian Connections in the Southern Alps) will not be convened. The French wonder why safety plans were submitted on December 6 and the project was then modified on the 11th. They also question why certain amounts are approved when the French counterpart is unaware.”
Anas responded with an optimistic version, with an explanation for the technical glitch: during the execution of the foundation piles for one of the two supports, difficulties arose due to the nature of the terrain. However, a solution was quickly devised, allowing the construction of the piles to proceed in line with the schedule. It would also be false that the plans submitted on December 6 were modified. Anas reiterated that the executing company is working to increase staff to have approximately 200 workers on-site by the end of January. Finally, it was declared: “The date of June 2024 for the completion of the works and the restoration of circulation using the new tunnel is confirmed.” (lastampa.it)
The timely completion of the two new tunnels remains crucial for the tourism businesses in Limone to restore the flow of visitors to its maximum capacity and revitalize the region’s economy.