VICENZA, Italy - The spring and early summer of 2015 will be a busy time for Caserma Del Din users and the nearby Vicenza residents. Work to upgrade the access road to Caserma Del Din is due to start March 2 and expected to be completed in July.
"The new road will enhance accessibility and general safety around Del Din as part of our commitment to reduce the impact on the local traffic and improve quality of life for our Soldiers who live at Del Din and our Italian neighbors in the surrounding community," said Col. Robert L. Menist Jr., U.S Army Garrison Vicenza commander.
"Mayor Variati and I have discussed this road on many occasions in our efforts to bring the maximum benefit to the American and Italian residents in the area, while minimizing the inconvenience. I am truly pleased that the City and the U.S. Army enjoy such a productive relationship where we are able to roll up our sleeves and work together to benefit the community," Menist said.
The portion of Viale Arturo Ferrarin that links the entrance of Del Din to the roundabout at Viale Jacopo Dal Verme is a 900 meter straight asphalt roadway. The road provides the only access to the military base and to the nearby residences of approximately 20 Italian families.
"The work involves road rebuilding and widening, construction of pedestrian/bicycle path and sidewalks," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy P. Adams, regional officer in charge of construction in Northern Italy for the Naval Facility Command. Updated traffic signals, new energy efficient LED street lighting, and an improved roundabout before the Del Din entrance gate with accommodation for future public transportation service, are also part of the project, said Adams.
"We understand that a project of this nature can cause short term inconvenience, however the investment will bring long-term benefits for Soldiers and residents alike," Menist said.
The current narrow width of the road causes traffic concerns, particularly for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles sharing the same laneway. Widening the existing layout will improve traffic visibility and increase safety for all road users.
Residents have complained that the long straight road encourages increased speeds. To address their concern new speed limit posts along the road are the first traffic-calming measure included in the scope of work.
Expressing the view of many families living on Viale Ferrarin, resident Savina Maria Appiani said that: "We surely appreciate the attention shown to us residents and the fact that works will commence with the good season. We also appreciate the decision not to simply restore the existing road but rather proceed with its complete upgrade, which we understand is quite a significant economic investment for the U.S. Army."
Appiani said that an adequate road with improved road signings will encourage a better use of the common space and in general more respect for traffic law. While a bike path with proper sidewalks will encourage sustainable transportation, she said that "a road built with state-of-the art features will also reduce noise pollution due to traffic flow."
"In order to minimize inconvenience the work will be phased", said Lisa Magaña, the ROICC supervisory civil engineer in charge of the Viale Ferrarin project. The contractor will endeavor to dig the road in manageable sections, reinstating regularly as the work progresses.
"During the work, the Viale Ferrarin access road and the entrance of Caserma Del Din will remain open for both incoming and outgoing traffic with one-way traffic in the construction areas," Magaña said. She explained that in order to facilitate egress from Del Din, an alternate exit located on the south east corner of Caserma Del Din, south of the Warrior Zone facility and the softball fields will be available from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. This egress will allow vehicles leaving the base during peak hours to utilize Strada Sant'Antonino and avoid the construction area. A traffic light will direct outbound traffic turn into the city main road.
As construction is about to start, the challenge ahead is to urge constant awareness for traffic control by drivers, pedestrians, and the construction crew. "We advise all drivers to proceed slowly and remain attentive to changing traffic patterns on Viale Ferrarin. We also advise pedestrians to avoid the construction area and base users to limit their movements in and out the installation," said Magaña.
Commenting on the great Italian-American team work behind this project, Adams said: "The Comune of Vicenza has been a great partner. Representatives from the garrison and the office of the Italian base commander have worked tirelessly to get this portion of the Del Din project to the point at which construction could commence. Communication among all partners was key to the success of the Italian-American team."
The upgrade work was modified into the existing contract entitled Multiple Facilities Complex Dal Molin, and will complement the new installation opened in 2013. Construction will be carried out by C.M.C, i.e. the contractor solicited via full and open competition in 2007.
A town hall meeting was held Feb. 23 at Del Din to inform the military community about the upcoming road work and provide road users advance warning of changes in traffic patterns.
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