BRONZOLO. Giorgia Mongillomayor of Bronzolo, calls one by one the residents who complain about the long waits (at the traffic lights) for works related to the variant on State Road 12. Also because many – from Egna to Ora, but also from Caldaro - prefer to “cut” through the town at crazy speeds to go to Bolzano with the result of creating quite a few problems (also in terms of safety) for the residents.
Mayor, how long will the works (and the long waits at the traffic lights) last on the main road?
The ordinance is until the first ten days of November. I extended it because the need emerged to make new cement injections to guarantee the stability of some of the houses overlooking the SS12. These are situations that must be evaluated from time to time.
However, there are those who, to avoid queues, choose the shortcut through the town and travel beyond the limits on objectively narrow roads…
True and we are doing everything we can to stem these dangerous and disrespectful behaviors. Due to an injury we only have one security guard on duty who is doing everything she can.
Are there anyone who violates the law in any way other than speeding?
Yes, those arriving from the old Ora road and not entitled to use it. Transit is allowed only to residents and neighbors.
Fines coming for those who go astray then?
We will certainly strengthen the controls. Also because it is a safety issue. When the smart guys on duty get their first fines, everyone else will probably think twice about stepping on the accelerator and taking a shortcut without having the right to do so.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mayor Giorgia Mongillo of Bronzolo
Editor: Good day, Mayor Mongillo! Thank you for joining us today. We know you’ve been quite busy addressing the concerns of the residents regarding the ongoing construction on State Road 12. Can you tell us exactly what prompted the extension of the traffic light ordinance?
Mayor Mongillo: Certainly, and thank you for having me! The extension was necessary due to the crucial cement injections that we need to conduct to ensure the stability of several homes near the road. We faced some unexpected challenges that required immediate attention, and safety is our top priority.
Editor: That makes sense. Residents have expressed frustration over the long waits at the traffic lights. How do you plan to balance the construction work while minimizing inconvenience for the community?
Mayor Mongillo: I completely understand their frustration. It’s important to note that these works, although inconvenient, are essential for long-term safety and stability. We’ve been proactive in keeping communication open; I’ve even called residents personally to ease their concerns. Additionally, we’re exploring alternate traffic management strategies to help reduce delays as much as possible.
Editor: That’s great to hear! It’s vital for leaders to connect with their communities. On another note, there have been reports of increased traffic as drivers attempt to avoid the roadwork and cut through Bronzolo at high speeds. How are you addressing this safety issue?
Mayor Mongillo: This is indeed a significant concern. We’ve noticed an uptick in speeding vehicles as commuters try to find alternative routes. We are collaborating with local law enforcement to enforce speed limits more strictly and consider temporary speed bumps or additional signage to deter reckless driving. The safety of our residents must come first.
Editor: Those sound like proactive measures! With the construction slated to continue until the first ten days of November, what other solutions are you exploring to improve communication with residents throughout the process?
Mayor Mongillo: Communication is key to maintaining community trust. We are updating our residents regularly through social media and community newsletters. Moreover, we’re considering hosting informational sessions where residents can share their concerns directly with us and get updates on progress in an open forum.
Editor: That’s a fantastic approach, Mayor. Engaging with residents can often lead to a smoother process. Before we wrap up, can you share what the long-term benefits of these roadworks might be for Bronzolo and surrounding areas?
Mayor Mongillo: Absolutely! Once completed, the upgrades to State Road 12 will not only enhance the structural integrity of the area but will also improve traffic flow and safety for everyone. We’re investing in our community’s future by ensuring that both residents and travelers can navigate our town safely and efficiently.
Editor: Thank you very much for your insights, Mayor Mongillo. We appreciate your commitment to Bronzolo and its residents. We look forward to seeing how these projects evolve.
Mayor Mongillo: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our efforts with the community.