FORTEZZA: NEW ACCESS ROAD TO RIOL OPENS TO TRAFFIC

The new access road network to the hamlet of Riol, in the municipality of Fortezza, was officially opened to traffic today, Friday, August 7, at 9:00 AM.

At the same time, the old underpass was closed to traffic to allow for partial demolition and reconstruction work needed to make it compatible with the new high-speed/high-capacity railway line. Upon completion of the works, the old structure will be upgraded and reserved exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The project is part of construction lot H81, launched at the beginning of 2025 by the project company Brenner Base Tunnel - BBT SE and awarded to the bidding consortium Unionbau-Brunner & Leiter. Today's achievement completes the first sub-lot of the project, which has a total length of approximately 330 meters.

To build the new road underpass beneath the historic Brenner and Pusteria railway lines without interrupting train service, cutting-edge technology was used: a massive 2,700-ton concrete structure was constructed alongside the tracks and then pushed underneath the railway line using hydraulic jacks. In this way, slightly south of the "H71 Isarco River Underpass" lot completed in 2023, a more efficient and safer link between state road 12 and the settlement of Riol was secured.

“For the community of Fortezza and particularly for the residents of Riol, this is a long-awaited turning point,” states Thomas Klapfer, Mayor of Fortezza. “The new road network eliminates past inconveniences and secures access to the hamlet. Close cooperation with BBT SE and the contractors made it possible to listen to the needs of the local population, reducing the impact of the construction sites and returning a modern, integrated infrastructure to the area.”

Martin Ausserdorfer, Director of the Observatory Consortium for the Construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel and the South Access Route: “The opening of the new road connection demonstrates how public works can develop in harmony with the real needs of the communities involved. Constant monitoring and synergy between the Province, Municipalities, BBT SE, and construction companies allow us to translate railway investments into tangible benefits for local mobility and safety.”

“Today's opening is fundamental to the safety and efficiency of local traffic,” states Umberto Lebruto, CEO of BBT SE on the Italian side. “Thanks to great teamwork, we have completed a complex project while minimizing disruption to the local population. Now we will focus on converting the old underpass into a modern and safe pedestrian and cycle path.”

The overall project has a value of approximately 13 million euros and involves, in addition to the construction of the underpass opened to the public today, the extension and improvement of the existing pedestrian and cycle underpass.

The work optimizes local traffic flows and guarantees, for the first time, direct access for emergency vehicles. This intervention significantly increases safety for all Riol residents while serving the new Verona-Brenner railway line.

The project also emphasizes environmental sustainability. Excavated materials are almost entirely reused to build a reinforced earth embankment. This green barrier will separate the railway area from the residential neighbourhood while enriching local biodiversity through a wide selection of plant species.

Finally, sincere thanks go to all affected residents for their understanding during the inconvenience caused by the works.