Monserrato, Via Riu Mortu sinks: damage and anger

The control arm collapsed, the front end collapsed, and the front wheel ended up off-axis. On Friday evening, the city's headlights returned to Via Riu Mortu and its damaged condition, following an accident involving an Alfa Romeo, which required a tow truck and caused traffic congestion.

Protests immediately erupted on social media, but according to Mayor Tomaso Locci, based on video surveillance footage acquired by local police, a pothole was not to blame.

Dangerous road

The fact remains that Via Riu Mortu is dangerous: in addition to ditches and depressions, the asphalt shows real signs of subsidence. In the lane heading towards Via San Valeriano, a difference in level of several centimeters is clearly visible between the center of the roadway—which is higher—and the sides. It's as if the road were slowly sinking under the weight of cars and buses.

Drivers' concerns are inevitable: "We hope it can be fixed soon. Right now, it's a road to avoid; if you don't drive slowly, you risk losing your tires," says Federico Sanna. Even near the CTM bus stop, at the beginning of the street, the mood is negative: "Luckily, the bus goes slowly, because otherwise getting through here would be a nightmare, especially when you're standing," explain two women waiting at the bus stop.

The intervention plan

Aware of the dangers, the administration clarifies that it has a safety plan ready. "In December, we received €400,000 in regional funding, which we added to the similar amount already allocated from the surplus. This allowed us to complete the design process," explains Mayor Locci, announcing the conclusion of the tender process to select the contractor for the work. A few months will now pass before the bureaucratic checks and contracting are completed. "We'll be ready to begin by March, but there's an important consideration: we can't simultaneously close two thoroughfares like Via Cabras"—the renovation is expected to begin this month—"and Via Riu Mortu. We'll begin maintenance on the latter once Via Cabras is completed, but we'll explore the possibility of carrying out minor safety improvements in the meantime. We're pleased that, after so much planning, we'll be able to restore such important roads this year."

Councilor Raffaele Nonnoi added: "The contract includes maintenance of the section between the Via Zuddas roundabout and the intersection with Via Terralba. The existing road will be demolished and resurfaced, with work aimed at strengthening the subgrade and a structure designed to cushion the impact of heavy vehicles."