by InTrieste
The Sandrinelli tunnel, a key passage connecting Piazza Goldoni and Piazza Sansovino in Trieste, will be closed to traffic starting Tuesday, January 7, and will remain inaccessible until midnight on Sunday. This temporary closure marks the beginning of a broader infrastructure project expected to extend over the coming months, as utility company AcegasApsAmga addresses the deteriorating condition of a water main beneath the roadway.
The project is part of a broader initiative funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), aimed at upgrading the regional water network. AcegasApsAmga has highlighted the urgent need to assess and rehabilitate the “aged and deteriorated pipeline,” which runs beneath the tunnel. Inspections conducted this week are expected to determine the exact location of the main and define the areas requiring further intervention.
Traffic Restrictions and Exceptions
From 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday to midnight on Sunday, vehicle traffic through the Sandrinelli tunnel will be prohibited. Access roads will also be closed during this period, including the section of Piazza Sansovino between Via Madonnina and the tunnel, and Via Pellico between Corso Italia and the tunnel.
Public transportation will be the only exception, with buses allowed to pass through a narrowed roadway operating on an alternating single-lane basis.
Phased Repair Work
The project’s first phase, involving pipeline-related work on Via Madonnina, has already been completed. The current second phase focuses on decommissioning the pipeline running through the tunnel. Excavations in Piazza Sansovino and Via Pellico are underway to isolate the pipeline, clean it, and conduct video inspections.
The final phase will involve five additional excavations, with precise locations to be determined following this week’s inspections. Once this phase begins, private vehicle access will be fully restricted, though bus transit will continue. The work is expected to last approximately one month.
Long-Term Goals
The intervention aims to restore the structural integrity of the existing cast-iron water main, addressing decades of wear and tear. As Trieste’s infrastructure faces increasing demand, this project represents a significant step in ensuring the reliability of the city’s water network.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes and remain informed about further updates as the project progresses.
