A9 Como Chiasso Construction Sites

Tunnel equipment upgrading (Legislative Decree 264/06):

It involved the refurbishment and modernisation of the technological equipment in the tunnels. Upgrading activities were completed on all the tunnels of the section.

Structural regeneration:

Starting from 2020, in accordance with the guidelines introduced that year, in-depth inspections were initiated in the 10 tunnels of Monte Olimpino, Monte Quarcino, Terrazze, Villa Maria, and San Fermo. The inspections were carried out using the latest generation technologies such as georadar and ultrasound tomography. The investigations resulted in the development of projects needed for the modernisation programmes, with the primary objective of equipping the infrastructures with waterproofing systems, which were not initially included during their construction.

In some cases, a complete reconstruction plan of the structural parts of the tunnel was carried out, using state-of-the-art materials and cutting-edge technology. This resulted in an extension of the useful life of the infrastructure assets by a further 50 years.

On 8 May 2024, with the reopening of the San Fermo Nord tunnel, the intensive phase of the tunnel modernisation plan was completed

The work involved the structural renovation of the existing materials through the construction of a new definitive protective coating consisting of a high-performance structural spritz-beton shell, laid with the aid of modular welded mesh panels, new waterproofing and a water collection system.

After a phase of in-depth inspections, a modernisation plan will be launched with a renewal of the works to extend the useful life of the infrastructure and adapt them to current traffic volumes

As part of its modernization plan, Autostrade per l'Italia has begun the first phase of work on the Fati viaduct, located at km 40+300 on the A9 Lainate-Como-Chiasso motorway. This phase involves reinforcing the deck girders, a process that will be conducted without traffic interference. To minimize disruption to motorists traveling between Como Monte Olimpino and Chiasso in both directions—toward Swiss territory and Lainate—a carriageway deviation has been implemented. During this work, one lane will remain open in each direction. The schedule will be adjusted throughout the day based on traffic flow analyses and estimated travel times for vehicles entering and leaving the area. During peak hours, two lanes will be available: in the morning toward Switzerland and in the evening toward Lainate/Milan. The construction is expected to continue until the start of winter operations, or until 6 December, with the goal of fully restoring the carriageway's usability by the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, to facilitate smoother travel.

The plan to modernise the side devices includes the replacement of about 8.5 km of safety barriers and more than 2 km of noise barriers. For this type of asset, the network modernisation plans provide for two types of intervention: the installation of new, state-of-the-art barriers, and the upgrading of noise-absorbing systems to improve the acoustic impact on the surrounding area.