BOLZANO. Central provincial road dealing with holiday traffic. From Boxing Day (December 26) to January 5, heavy traffic is expected northbound, e from 1st to 6th January there is a “red mark” for return traffic particularly intense in a southerly direction. “As always, we hope that there are no accidents related to the weather or traffic on these days when there are a particularly high number of motorists on the roads.”
A major problem, which occurs every winter, is the lack of winter equipment on the vehicles of those traveling in the provinces, something that Karin Unterhofer has experienced over the years. Many drivers underestimate road conditions and often fail to continue. This can lead to a partial blockage of traffic in the event of heavy snowfall.
At the provincial road traffic center Karin Unterhofer provides information calmly and professionally, answering questions about whether the motorway is free, what the situation is in Val Pusteria, why the caller is stuck in traffic, and whether this is due to an accident or a slowdown . On “Infomobilità” you are asked for information on bus and train connections to and in Alto Adige. For almost 26 years he has worked in the team of the Road Traffic Centre, of the Civil Protection Agency, in Viale Druso in Bolzano, currently with four other colleagues. His voice is familiar to many radio listeners, as he regularly broadcasts traffic reports.
He often finds himself working his twelve-hour shift on a public holiday or, as this year, on Christmas Eve. In the next room, employees of the Provincial Emergency Center also work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. And near the station there is the permanent fire brigade, on duty in two shifts, at twelve hour intervals.