Cesta med Ligom in Vrhovljami je znova odprta za promet

The road connecting Ligo and Vrhovljami has reopened to traffic after temporary repairs were carried out following damage caused by heavy rainfall earlier this year. The route links the municipalities of Brda and Kanal ob Soči and serves both residents and tourists. According to officials from the municipality of Kanal ob Soči, a support structure was installed on the affected area, allowing for temporary and safe use of the road. Officials emphasized that this is a provisional solution intended to ensure traffic flow until a comprehensive rehabilitation of the area can be completed. A representative from the investment department of the municipality, Matjaž Gusak, explained that all construction work undertaken was based on prior geological boreholes and a prepared geological-geomechanical study aimed at establishing temporary safe passage. He noted that the planned construction layout was designed so that most of the work done would remain and be incorporated into the final rehabilitation of the area. The cost of implementing the temporary repair, which restored traffic on the road, amounted to just under 95,000 euros. The municipality stated that the temporary solution ensures road accessibility until the completion of the full rehabilitation. The final rehabilitation will proceed once the necessary project documentation is prepared and state funding for addressing the consequences of the November 2025 incident is approved. Residents and visitors using the road are being urged to strictly follow traffic signals and adjust their driving speed according to conditions on the road. The temporary measures have allowed for continued movement along the route while more permanent solutions are developed. The damaged section of the road had been closed since early June due to landslides triggered by heavy rains. Local authorities had warned that the closure could last several months as they assessed the extent of the damage and planned long-term repairs. During the closure, alternative routes were recommended for drivers, though these often led to increased congestion on nearby roads. Officials from the regional transport authority confirmed that the reopening follows strict safety guidelines and that ongoing monitoring of the road's condition will continue. They added that further assessments will determine whether additional reinforcement is needed before the final rehabilitation begins. The temporary infrastructure includes reinforced barriers and drainage systems to prevent further erosion and stabilize the road surface. The road’s reopening comes amid growing concerns over the impact of climate change on infrastructure in the region. Heavy rainfall events have become more frequent, leading to repeated disruptions on roads and bridges. Experts warn that without substantial investment in resilient infrastructure, similar incidents could occur with increasing frequency in the coming years. Local businesses near the road expressed relief at its reopening, noting that the closure had significantly impacted tourism and local commerce. Some shop owners reported a drop in customer numbers during the period of restricted access. Others called for faster implementation of the full rehabilitation plan to avoid future disruptions. Municipal officials reiterated that the temporary solution is not a permanent fix and that the long-term goal remains the complete restoration of the road. They stressed that the process requires time and coordination among multiple agencies, including environmental experts and engineers. Funding approval from higher authorities is still pending, which could delay the start of the full reconstruction. Residents living near the affected area have been advised to stay informed about updates regarding the road’s status and potential changes in traffic patterns. Emergency services have also been alerted to monitor the situation and respond quickly should any new issues arise. The temporary measures are considered a critical step in maintaining connectivity between the two communities until more durable solutions can be implemented.