Another trip, another construction site. State Road 131 "Carlo Felice," even in the North, is increasingly becoming an obstacle course. New roadblocks, diversions, and delays for motorists who travel Sardinia's main artery every day, grappling with yet another ANAS construction site. The company has begun the crucial phase of demolition and reconstruction of the overpass at kilometer 173.350, just outside Torralba. A necessary intervention, of course, but one that adds to the long list of construction sites that have disrupted traffic flow along the island's northwest for years.
The deviations
To allow for safe work, traffic is being diverted in both directions on provincial road 128, with temporary signage at the intersection with state road 131bis, the site of two serious accidents in the last two days involving heavy vehicles and resulting in traffic being blocked. Those traveling toward Cagliari must take the alternative route to state road 131 for four kilometers, starting at 171.650. Those traveling in the opposite direction will encounter the roadblock at 175.015. The work is scheduled for completion by January 31, 2026, but many fear a further extension. The €1.1 million project is part of a broader extraordinary maintenance program for the Carlo Felice bridges and viaducts: a restyling of the so-called "works of art" that has already affected Bonannaro, Siligo, Florinas, Saccargia, and Badde Olia. These are essential works, Anas specifies, but they are inevitably testing the patience of those who use the 131 every day. In place of the old crossroads for turning off towards the nuraghe of Sant'Antine or towards Thiesi and Bono, there is now a large temporary roundabout, more similar to a funnel than a crossroads, which leads onto the main road towards Cagliari.
Inconvenience for commuters
Torralba's mayor, Pier Paolo Mulas, remains calm, but doesn't hide the difficulty of managing the complicated traffic situation: "It takes patience," he admits, "but also driving caution. I've asked my fellow citizens to be responsible, but I'm telling ANAS to make this roundabout more structured and efficient." The greatest problems are felt by those coming from Cagliari toward Sassari or from Thiesi toward Torralba. In both cases, to avoid the construction site, you have to continue to the Bonannaro junction, adding a few kilometers and several minutes to your schedule. "Fortunately," adds Mulas, "our junction is simple, nothing like the complications seen at other construction sites." The consequences are also being felt on public transportation: Arst is rescheduling routes to ensure punctuality for student commuters. "We don't yet know the new travel times," explains the mayor, "but one thing is certain: service will be guaranteed, even if a little flexibility will be needed."
