By Lynda Myer
In order to upgrading the A32 motorway that links north-west Italy and France via the Fréjus tunnel, the total awarded budget is €247m (US$271.4m).
Improving road safety, this investment is due to modernize the tunnel bridges and viaducts along the 80km route.
As an integral part of the Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the A32 is one of Europe’s key road arteries and a direct loan of almost €105m has been granted by European Investment Bank to Società Italiana per il Traforo Autostradale del Frejus (SITAF). Additionally, €92m and UniCredit €50m has been handed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)|, while this financing is in addition to the €320m provided in 2013 for the construction of the second T4 tunnel, which’s date of inauguration is by the end of this year.
In 1980 the Fréjus tunnel with 12.87km length was launched and it is a single tube with bi-directional traffic, which is a key link between the Savoie and the Piedmont, and one of the main road routes for crossing the northern Alps.
According to SITAF CEO Claudio Vezzosi: “This funding will enable SITAF to make the planned investment to improve safety on the key artery for Italy and Europe, making it more resilient, digital and sustainable.”
