by InTrieste
In a move that underscores ongoing concerns about infrastructure maintenance, officials in the Municipality of Muggia have announced that a key tunnel will remain closed to traffic today. The closure, which affects the tunnel’s northern entrance on the seafront side, is part of a green maintenance operation aimed at cleaning the area above the tunnel.
This maintenance work is a precursor to additional geomechanical analysis scheduled for August 8, which will be conducted without further tunnel closures. The upcoming analysis will evaluate the type and condition of the soil between the top of the hill and the tunnel’s arch. This assessment was mandated by the Eastern Alps Basin Authority as part of preparatory measures for a Conference of Services organized by the local administration.
Muggia’s Mayor, Paolo Polidori, emphasized that this latest survey is a necessary addition to previous studies, which have included georadar surveys, laser measurements, and core sampling. These efforts are intended to gather comprehensive data to support future expansion and strengthening projects. Polidori pointed out that such analyses have only been undertaken since 2022, despite the tunnel’s opening in 1960. He criticized the delay, noting, “These are the only studies the municipality has conducted since the tunnel opened, which, in terms of infrastructure safety and preventive measures, is unacceptable.”
Polidori further highlighted the contrast with other significant infrastructure projects, such as the Morandi Bridge, which was constructed in 1963, suggesting that more proactive maintenance practices should be in place.
