Vorarlberg Silvretta High Alpine Road: Opening Postponed
Due to new damage from heavy rain over the weekend and poor weather forecasts, the planned opening of the Silvretta High Alpine Road in Montafon is being further delayed. The unstable situation currently does not allow for a reliable forecast of when the pass road can be opened, according to an assessment by geologists, as stated by illwerke vkw in a release on Wednesday. The situation is to be reassessed in the middle of next week.
For months, countless helpers have been working to eliminate the effects of the massive rockfall and mudslides from last summer and to make the popular pass road safely passable again, it was reported. However, continuous rain and heavy rain often thwart their efforts, with new damage repeatedly preventing the opening. Last weekend, the previously unaffected lower part of the Silvretta High Alpine Road was flooded and buried with debris after heavy rain. Also, in the main construction areas for slope stabilization at bends 13 and 14, as well as further towards Bielerhöhe, the work is taking longer than hoped.
"In view of the forecasted amounts of rain in the coming days, further delays unfortunately cannot be ruled out," said Harald Feldkircher from the road maintenance company illwerke vkw. Until the opening on the Vorarlberg side, the Silvretta reservoir and Bielerhöhe can be reached via the Tyrolean side of the pass road. Access is open up to Vermunt.
Silvretta High Alpine Road closed every winter
The Silvretta High Alpine Road, which is popular with excursionists and is over 22 kilometers long, is closed every winter due to avalanche and rockfall danger, and normally opens after clearing at the end of May or beginning of June. However, last year there was a rockfall and several mudslides, which led to extensive renovations and safety measures. A new route was created for a section and safety work was carried out in coordination with geologists. Initially, the end of June was targeted as the opening time this spring, but further rock safety measures had to be carried out after geological investigations.
(APA/Red)
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