Multiple accidents and significant traffic disruptions have marred travel on the Ligurian motorways, highlighting recurring safety concerns exacerbated by construction work.
The latest incident occurred on December 21, 2024, on the A26 motorway, particularly within the Montà tunnel, where eight vehicles were involved in a significant collision at around 12 PM. The crash led to severe traffic jams, with delays of up to six kilometers for motorists heading toward Gravellona-Toce. Fortunately, there were only minor injuries, with two individuals treated under 'green code' and transported to the Ovada hospital.
Reports indicate traffic came to a halt before being gradually alleviated, though motorists faced long queues. Routes were quickly congested, also impacting drivers traveling toward Genoa, with traffic jams from Ovada back to Masone adding to the morning commutes. Autostrade per l'Italia urged those trapped in the mayhem to navigate via the A7 Milano-Genova as alternative routes were explored.
This incident rings familiar as it follows another recent tragedy on December 14 near San Bartolomeo al Mare on the A10 Autofiori, which was fatal and occurred within proximity of construction zones. Such scenes have raised alarms over road safety as construction work continues on various segments of Ligurian highways.
Adding to the woes for daily commuters, starting well before the incident on December 9, 2024, the exit at Nervi will be permanently closed to users arriving from Livorno until January 11, 2025. The exit upgrade necessitates total closure, with recommendations from Autostrade to exit at Recco or Genova Est instead during this period.
This construction is part of larger efforts prompted by increasing traffic incidents and concerns about safety upgrades on various highway stretches, including A10 and A12, which have structurally challenging zones. Autostrade has vowed to streamline operations with minimal disruption during the holiday seasons where feasible.
Meanwhile, during the weekend leading up to the holidays, Autostrade initiated measures to remove impactful construction sites and reduce nighttime closures to ease congestion during peak travel periods. Their initiative aims to address disruptions effectively, especially as heavy holiday traffic approaches.
On the afternoon of December 21, even after the A26 incident was resolved, peculiar traffic disturbances also emerged on local roadways, with city diversions reported due to separate incidents affecting neighboring streets.
Overall, these frequent disruptions and safety concerns concerning Ligurian motorways have drawn significant attention to construction work carried out and the necessity for prompt measures to protect commuters. Autostrade stressed the importance of road safety, emphasizing, “This is part of the necessary construction work we are executing to improve road safety.”
Commitment to securing safer road conditions is not just about resolving current issues but also planning fundamentally for future roadway enhancements, allowing Ligurian commuters peace and clarity amid their journeys.
