Road to Calancatal reopens after nearly two weeks of isolation

The road to Calancatal reopened on Wednesday evening after landslides left the valley isolated for nearly two weeks, SRF reported. The section between Molina and Arvigo is now open to traffic, although it can be used in only one direction at a time and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Clearance work is still under way, so travellers should expect delays. During the closure, authorities arranged helicopter flights to maintain the connection between the valley and the rest of Graubünden.

Many residents used the flights to travel to and from work in Ticino or other parts of Graubünden, as well as to run essential errands, according to Daniele Corecco, commander of the Calanca fire brigade.

Elia, the valley’s only secondary school pupil, flew by helicopter each day to attend school in Roveredo. Primary school pupils remained in the valley and were taught at three different locations. One pupil said the arrangement was enjoyable because children were taught together with younger pupils who were not normally in their class.

School principal Eleonora Righetti said staff had tried to provide the children with as normal a school routine as possible. Righetti, who is also a member of the cantonal parliament for the Roveredo district, called for further investment in the valley’s transport connection, saying the incident had shown that action and quick solutions were needed.

The isolation also affected local businesses. Igor, who runs a bed and breakfast, said he had suffered significant losses after the final two weekends of August were cancelled. Given the good weather and expected occupancy, he estimated the loss at between one quarter and one third of his total August turnover.

The Arvigo quarries were less severely affected. Owner Giovanni Polti described the situation as difficult, particularly emotionally, but said alternative arrangements had allowed the business to continue and limited the financial damage.

Polti said the incident had once again highlighted the vulnerability of the valley’s transport link. In the long term, he considers an artificial gallery the only solution and the most sensible option from a technical perspective.

The road reopening has restored some normality to Calancatal, but the debate over securing the valley’s transport connection in the long term is likely to continue.