Fiumicino, 27 June 2024 – Work on the Via dell’Airport viaduct, what stage are we at? After it stop for several months in carrying out the interventions, Today in the Council Chamber, a conference was held, organised by the Municipal Administration and Anas for talk about the state of affairs and to announce a series of significant interventions to improve traffic in Fiumicino, making it smoother and safer.
Many new features were announced, but it was essential to explain that on the viaduct, soon, “There will be the roadway towards the airport has been reopened, with two lanes in both directionsa – said the mayor Mario Baccini during the conference – and the road signs will be fixed. The arrangement of the road system is fundamental, however make the city more liveable for citizens and to respond to the needs in view of the 2025 Jubilee. There are many pilgrims who will land at the airport for the Holy Year. This infrastructure, close to Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, will be essential to manage the expected increase in traffic, reducing inconvenience for users, improving circulation on the A91 Rome-Fiumicino and in the surrounding areas, including Ostia and Fiumicino. The works will begin shortly, following the latest technical assessments.”
Present at the Conference were: the Mayor of Fiumicino Mario Baccini, Manager of the Territorial Strategies Area of the municipality of Fiumicino Massimo Guidi, the Manager of the Public Works Area of the Municipality of Fiumicino Mauro Rosatelli, Eng. Marco Moladori – Territorial Structure Manager of Anas Lazio, the Councilor for Public Works Giovanna Onorati, the General Secretary, Giuseppe Alemanno, the President of the City Council, Roberto Severini, the Commander of the Local Police of Fiumicino, Daniela Carola
The question of security
There demolition and reconstruction of the viaduct of the airport had been arranged for a safety measure that could no longer be postponed. So far the interventions carried out have served to “Strengthen the structure – he explained the Eng. Marco Moladori, Territorial Structure Manager of Anas Lazio – and make some load tests so that the safe passage of light vehicles could be confirmed. To allow the works to be carried out, we have imposed limitations on vehicular passage with the narrowing of the roadway. Our first objective is precisely the reopening of the same and the consequent elimination of the limitations in force”.
“With regard to the current safety of the viaduct – added Eng. Moladori – we have done it insights from a structural point of view together with the pof. Petrangelia luminary when it comes to bridges, and we can say that the viaduct does not cause concerns, as long as the limitations are maintained at the moment relating to the passage of heavy vehicles, prohibited for vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Which unfortunately, and we have received many reports, often happens. In fact, it is fundamental the installation of monitoring systems. In particular, during the demolition of the viaduct, systems will be installed to monitor the transit of vehicles with a mass greater than permitted, as well as sensors to monitor the structural behavior of the bridge. These systems will ensure safe and monitored transit.”
The restart of the works, especially the demolition ones, could, however, cause concern among the citizens regarding traffic congestion, which is not the best at the moment. To avoid these critical issues, during the works on the viaduct, the Municipality of Fiumicino has requested the creation of road junctions 1 and 2 which will allow the temporary connection between Via del Lago di Traiano and Corridor C5. This intervention, with an estimated cost of approximately 350 thousand euros And completion time expected by September 2024, is aimed at improving the usability of the alternative roads necessary during the demolition of the viaduct. The awarding of the works is underway, with a start expected in the next few weeks.
As mentioned above, to meet the needs related to the improvement of traffic, it will be on the airport viaduct the northern carriageway of the bridge, towards the airport, has been reopened to traffic, with two lanes in each direction and it will come road signs have been fixed on both carriageways (investment of 50 thousand euros expected to be completed by September 2024). Systems will be installed to monitor the transit of vehicles with a mass greater than permitted (investment of 75 thousand euros, completion expected by October 2024).
For the implementation of essential interventions Anas has allocated a total amount of approximately 550,000.00 euros.
The interventions will, however, concern also via della Scafathrough the improvement of road safety at the intersection with via Trincea delle Frasche (Km 2+800) with municipal roads via Trincea delle Frasche, via Monte Cengio (15 million) and the functional improvement of the Fiumicino south junction (2 million euros).
The primary objective of these works remains that of reduce the inconveniences experienced daily by citizens regarding traffic: “We are very resolute on this – underlined the engineer. Moladori – we continue and move forward along this line. Citizens must not suffer damage or further inconvenience, especially with the arrival of pilgrims, considering that over 30 thousand are expected at Fiumicino airport. There are therefore two fundamental goals to be achieved for now: remove the limits and create alternative routes to improve traffic”.
“Everything we have illustrated today is fruit of the work of the municipal offices and Anas which has been going on for months. Many conversations with councilor and managers. These important projects do not only represent a short-term improvement,but above all an investment for the future of our city. They will guarantee efficient roads, supporting urban development and the well-being of the entire community – declared Mayor Mario Baccini –. Furthermore, with the implementation of the works, presented today in collaboration with Anas, we are placing the safety of citizens at the center of our priorities. The installation of advanced monitoring systems will allow us to constantly monitor traffic and infrastructure conditions. The opening of the new northern carriageway of the bridge will significantly reduce travel times for those traveling to the Airport and surrounding areas. The objective is to reduce daily inconveniences for residents and tourists and free the city from the grip of traffic.” The installation of the intelligent traffic light at the intersection between via dell’Airport and via Trincea della Fresche is a sign of facilitation of traffic”.
Mayor Baccini recalls that the Scafa Bridge also “is part of the Jubilee plan and announces that “We will make a note both to Gualtieri and to Palazzo Chigi to understand what the state of the art of this work is. Furthermore, I announce that we are working with Eng. Drive to do a variant of the master plan relating to infrastructure This is why it is a priority to adapt the structures: to have a thoughtful and kind city that does not create problems for citizens”.
