In a dramatic shift in infrastructure policy, the Veneto Region has officially shelved the long-awaited “Nuova Romea” highway project—a multi-billion-euro initiative once envisioned to connect Mestre to Orte across 396 kilometers. This decision follows two decades of delays, legal battles, and changing government agendas.
First proposed in 2001 under Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Legge Obiettivo, the original plan (dubbed “Plan A”) was to create a massive toll highway backed by private investment. Despite the green light from CIPE in 2013 and the support of regional leaders, the project faced strong opposition from local mayors and environmentalists.
📉 2024 Traffic Study: Local Flows Don’t Justify a New Highway
A 2024 traffic study by ANAS—the Italian national roads agency—revealed that the vast majority of traffic on the existing SS309 Romea is local. The so-called “Plan B” alternative, a scaled-down version costing €5.5 billion, has now also been abandoned.
Key Traffic Stats:
27,000 vehicles per day, 13% of which are trucks
51% of traffic confined within a 15km stretch between Campagna Lupia and Codevigo
Only 15–17% is long-distance traffic from A4, A27, and Venice/Padua
According to Elisa De Berti, Vice President of the Veneto Region:
“The data proves it — we don’t need a new highway. The Romea’s traffic basin is local. The real danger is caused by risky overtaking maneuvers on straight, narrow roads.”
⚠️ Italy’s Most Dangerous Road: 600 Accidents, 21 Deaths in 5 Years
The Romea holds the unfortunate title of Italy’s deadliest road. Between Chioggia and Mestre, accident rates are alarmingly high. Most incidents happen on a deadly straightaway near the Novissimo Canal, where overtaking is common and guardrails are lacking.
🧱 Solution Proposed:
Dual carriageway upgrade between Campagna Lupia and Codevigo
Bypass route between Chioggia and Rosolina
Roundabouts already under construction in Lugo, Lughetto, Rosara, and Campagna Lupia
While €60 million in funds are available, the full cost of all proposed improvements exceeds this amount. In the meantime, authorities will increase surveillance with drones, helicopters, cameras, and highway patrols.
🔍 What’s Next for Veneto’s Road Network?
The idea of connecting the Riviera del Brenta to the Mestre A57 ring road has also been postponed. A broader reorganization of traffic around Marghera’s port and industrial area is under review, although EU funding requested for planning was not granted.
The Chioggia bypass will undergo a public consultation process, particularly since part of the proposed route lies in a protected lagoon area. As De Berti explains,
“We won’t let the Romea become a campaign issue. This work will be passed on to the next administration.”
📝 Final Thoughts: From Mega-Projects to Smarter, Safer Solutions
The shift away from a grand “Romea Commerciale” megaproject marks a major pivot in Veneto’s infrastructure strategy. Rather than building new highways, the focus now is on localized upgrades, improved safety, and realistic planning based on data—not politics.
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