New look of via Roma, Cagliari is divided: the long works scare

If via Roma were ready tomorrow, everyone would agree or almost. The problem is that the works that will change the face of the center of Cagliari will not be short, and to see the new look it will be necessary to wait until at least mid- 2024 .

A restyling of the pavement, new sidewalks, modern LED lighting and, above all, the revolution of the promenade, which will become a tree-lined boulevard : the signature is that of the architect Boeri , almost a guarantee on the final result, but the construction site will bring major traffic problems, with the road being closed to traffic for a few months.

The repercussions on commercial activities are inevitable: «We hope it will bring us work», says Fulvio Contu of the Caffé Roma, «but certainly with the closure of the road there will be inconveniences : we hope at least they do things properly and above all that they improve the street lighting Rome ». Annalisa, an employee of another bar in the arcades, also shares the fears: "It will be a big problem for our work, because they will close the road ". His colleague Roberto echoes her: «We are happy that the area is improving, but the moment in which everything will be ready is too far away. As employees we are concerned, because with fewer customers, fewer workers are needed. And if they even swap some dog bones for dinosaur ones... ».

But even among those who don't work in Via Roma, but pass by every day, it is hard to find a common front. If Elisabetta does not believe that «the final result will be like the one illustrated in the project », there are those – like Francesca – who cannot wait: «For years I have dreamed of a Cagliari model Barcelona : the works are welcome, even if now the complaints. You have to be patient." Giuseppe has a different opinion: « Changing via Roma is not good , for many reasons: people are used to a particular movement. There will be a revolution here God forbid and deliver. Then when the tourist arrives, from here they go to the historical centre : it is the shame of Cagliari». In short, other priorities. As Paolo also believes: «I would like to change the aspect of the seafront. But since so many tourists come, the city would also need interventions on other fronts , for example at the Bastione. Many areas are completely abandoned.