State highway 16, endless construction sites: here’s a map of disruption for the holidays

With the arrival of the Easter holidays and the spring long weekend, the first wave of arrivals is expected in the tourist resorts of Bari and Salento. In anticipation of the heavy traffic of travelers and tourists, the mayors and tour operators have expressed their concern about the traffic disruption caused by the construction sites on State Road 16, where Anas has reduced the freight lanes on the north and south sides at km 831+400 and 829 +000 (between Polignano a Mare and Mola di Bari), the works had to be completed by February 29, the deadline was then extended to March 31 and yesterday, with a new order, extended again to April 24. Therefore, the schedule, due to technically, they were not considered.

The SOS from the managers and operators was received by the Region of Puglia who, together with the Transport Councilor Anita Maurodinoia, were mobilized to prevent descents and queues on the State Road 16. «Work in progress on this important artery of the road – we read in the notebook. – in fact they risk significantly disrupting transport, which is why measures must be taken to ensure the flow of traffic.” The Region of Puglia shows the need for coordinated action to address the situation. It therefore sent an official communication to Anas Puglia, urging the creation of an effective plan for road management. “The objective is twofold: to ensure adequate capacity for traffic flow and to respond appropriately to the increase in transport demand that is characteristic of the Easter period”. To meet these needs, Anas is required to adopt a series of specific measures. Among these , the importance of encouraging alternative traffic routes, even secondary ones, to manage site activities according to expected traffic peaks, and to ensure effective communication with drivers and the municipalities involved.

Anas will implement a plan to clear construction sites on State Road 16, by hiring traffic control personnel and placing adequate warning signs in work zones. The parts affected by the construction areas are, on the Bari-Brindisi-Lecce, on the north part from km 8331+400 to km 829+000 and from km 816+000 to km 806+7000; to the south from km 806+700 to km 816+000. Work is ongoing on these sections to complete, modernize and improve the state road which will be redeveloped in various ways, including the replacement of traffic islands, guard rails and additional works such as the strengthening of street lights in urban areas. and intersections.

On SS16 the most volatile conditions – with a red sticker of “heavy traffic and potential danger” – are likely to occur on the evening of Friday 29th and the morning of Saturday 30th March. In return, similar conditions are forecast for the afternoon and evening of Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd April. As usual, from 2pm on Friday 29th, further traffic restrictions will be enforced for vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes. Traffic police and Carabinieri will increase the number of patrols.