Ticino opens bridge lost in deadly storm

A new bridge has been opened in Ticino's Maggia Valley, two years after severe storms damaged the original structure. Keystone-SDA

Authorities have opened a new bridge in Visletto, in Ticino’s Maggia Valley, nearly two years after a devastating storm swept away the original structure, restoring a permanent road link to the upper valley.

The bridge is due to open to motor traffic from 4:30 pm on October 31, canton Ticino’s department of spatial planning said. Its opening marks “a decisive step towards the permanent restoration of the road link with the upper Maggia Valley”, according to a press release.

The new bridge has been built slightly further upstream than the previous one in order to improve its protection against erosion. Over 150 metres long, it features a reinforced concrete deck and also houses the necessary infrastructure for water supply, wastewater disposal, electricity and telecommunications.

The construction of the bridge cost CHF10.5 million ($12.7 millon), a sum covered in full by the canton. Its opening marks an important stage in the reconstruction, but “does not bring the region’s restoration programme to a close”, the authorities stressed.

Planned works include flood protection measures, facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and the redevelopment of the hamlet of Visletto. The aim is to sustainably improve safety and infrastructure in this part of the valley.

The old Visletto bridge was swept away by the River Maggia during the night of 29–30 June 2024, following severe storms. Several side valleys were temporarily cut off from the road network at the time.

The storms claimed seven lives in the region. One person is still missing.

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Translated from French, reviewed by an English Department journalist. 

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