Motorists and residents in the heart of Sanremo should prepare for significant disruptions as the city initiates a comprehensive project for lavori di asfaltatura in via Grandi. Scheduled to take place from April 13 to April 17, 2026, the road surface renewal project will see the street closed to general traffic during daytime hours to allow for critical infrastructure upgrades.
The works are scheduled to occur daily between 9:00 a.m. And 5:30 p.m. To minimize total gridlock, city planners have divided the intervention into two distinct phases, shifting the closure zones mid-week. This approach aims to maintain some level of neighborhood permeability, though the strict “no parking” mandates and bus diversions will fundamentally alter the morning and afternoon commutes for thousands of locals.
For those who rely on the area for daily transit, the primary challenge will be the total prohibition of parking along the entire length of the street. Authorities have warned that “rimozione forzata”—the forced removal of vehicles via tow trucks—will be strictly enforced to ensure that paving machinery has unobstructed access to the roadbed. This includes the paid parking zones typically utilized by visitors and workers near Piazza della Resistenza.
A Two-Phase Strategy for Road Renewal
The logistics of the repaving effort are split to ensure that no single section of the neighborhood is completely severed from access for the entire duration of the project. The first phase focuses on the eastern stretch, while the second phase shifts toward the intersection with Via Copernico.
From April 13 to April 15, the closure will impact the segment between Piazza della Resistenza and Via Milite Ignoto. During this window, traffic originating from Via Copernico will be diverted onto Via Milite Ignoto. This diversion is expected to increase volume on the secondary route, and drivers are encouraged to allow for extra travel time.
The second phase, running from April 16 to April 17, moves the closure to the stretch between Via Copernico and Via Milite Ignoto, including the critical intersection connecting the two. This shift ensures that the final layers of asphalt are laid across the primary junction, effectively completing the circuit of the road’s surface renewal.
| Dates | Phase | Closed Section | Traffic Diversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 13–15 | Phase 1 | Piazza della Resistenza to Via Milite Ignoto | Via Copernico $\rightarrow$ Via Milite Ignoto |
| April 16–17 | Phase 2 | Via Copernico to Via Milite Ignoto | Local diversions in effect |
Public Transit Adjustments and Bus Diversions
The lavori di asfaltatura in via Grandi will necessitate a complete overhaul of local transit patterns for the duration of the week. Both Autoguidovie and Airpullman, the primary operators for the area’s urban lines, will implement a temporary alternative route to bypass the construction zones.
Buses will be rerouted through a loop consisting of Via Copernico, Via Dalla Chiesa, Via Colzani, and Via Camposanto. This detour is designed to retain the lines moving while avoiding the blocked segments of Via Grandi. Still, this change means that several key stops will be entirely out of service.
Commuters should note that the stops at Via Grandi, 53, and Piazza della Resistenza will be suspended from April 13 through April 17. Passengers are advised to coordinate their departures and arrivals based on the modified route to avoid missing their connections. For real-time updates on transit schedules, residents can typically refer to the official Comune di Sanremo portal or the respective transport operators’ digital apps.
Parking Restrictions and Resident Access
The most stringent aspect of the project is the parking ban. To facilitate the rifacimento del manto stradale, the city has mandated a total ban on parking along the entire length of Via Grandi. Here’s not merely a recommendation; the “rimozione forzata” policy means that any vehicle left in the restricted zones will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Special attention must be paid to the parking area located between civics 32 and 53. While this area remains technically accessible, the closure of surrounding segments means that entry and exit are permitted exclusively through the entrance facing civic 53. This creates a bottleneck that residents should plan for when entering or leaving their properties.
Despite the closures, the city has established “frontisti” protocols. Residents and business owners with properties directly facing the construction zones will be granted limited access. In these unaffected adjacent sections, traffic will be permitted in a two-way configuration, but with a strict speed limit of 30 km/h to protect workers and pedestrians.
Maintaining Essential Services and Pedestrian Flow
City officials have emphasized that while vehicle traffic is heavily restricted, the neighborhood will not be entirely cut off. The project has been designed to ensure that the basic rhythms of urban life continue, albeit with some modifications.
Pedestrian and cyclist transit will remain open throughout the week, allowing those on foot or bike to navigate the area. The city has guaranteed that emergency vehicles—including ambulances and fire trucks—will have priority passage at all times, regardless of the current phase of construction.
Two other critical services have been prioritized: the regular collection of urban waste will continue as scheduled, and access to private properties will be maintained. However, the city notes that property access will be “compatibilmente con le lavorazioni,” meaning that during the actual pouring of asphalt or heavy machinery movement, there may be brief, temporary pauses in access for safety reasons.
It is important for residents to remain flexible regarding the schedule. The official notice specifies that these dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Since asphalt laying is highly sensitive to rain and temperature, any significant inclement weather could push the timeline back, potentially extending the disruptions into the following week.
The next confirmed checkpoint for this project will be the final inspection and reopening of the street, expected on the evening of April 17, provided weather conditions remain favorable. Residents are encouraged to monitor municipal bulletins for any last-minute adjustments to the timeline.
Do you have questions about the diversions or the impact on your specific block? Share your thoughts or concerns in the comments below.
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