New Sardinian Oristano-Tortolì crossroad worth 2 billion: here are the routes

Six route hypotheses, three that have passed the first phase of analysis because they respect all the regulations (environmental and not only) in force, one that obtains the highest score in the cost-benefit ratio.

The project for the construction of the Nuova Trasversale Sarda, the road that should connect Oristano with Tortolì, is taking shape on paper: an asphalt artery which - if ever built - will cut through Sardinia on the east-west axis.

Estimated cost: around two billion euros. Length: variable, depending on the path that will be chosen.

The hypotheses were presented this morning in Samugheo by the regional councilor for public works Pierluigi Saiu, who met the mayors of Oristanese, Nuorese and Ogliastra potentially affected by the work: «The largest investment in a road work in Sardinia», said council member Solinas.

The hypotheses in the field are contained in the tables drawn up by professional firms on behalf of the in-house company Opere e Infrastrutture della Sardegna.

Alternative 1 envisages a route of 139.1 kilometers (it would use around fifty of the existing 389), with a travel duration of 170 minutes. The estimated cost is 1.4 billion (almost one of works). It would directly serve a population of 17,964.

Alternative 3 (2 has been discarded) would extend for 164.3 kilometres, for a similar travel time because it would have a more linear route than the previous one. Spending would rise to 1.9 billion and the population served directly would be 15,579 Sardinians.

The sixth design hypothesis (four and five excluded) seems to be the most accredited. Even if the price would rise to 1.95 billion euros: over 23 thousand inhabitants served directly, plus 5 thousand through the connections. With a total length of just under 159 kilometers that can be covered in 155 minutes.

«The Council», explains councilor Saiu, «has approved in the budget change, which will soon be submitted to the council, an allocation of 8 million euros, resources that will allow us to move from project alternatives to technical and economic feasibility, which, in by virtue of the new procurement code, it will also include the definitive design, and therefore the possibility of intercepting the resources necessary for the work".