Greenway: Work Set to Resume on Final Section

Work is set to resume shortly on the completion of the Voghera–Varzi Greenway. By the end of March—weather permitting—paving is expected to begin on the first section of the route, from Salice Terme to Godiasco.

In April, construction will continue with the paving of the path up to the outskirts of Varzi, followed by the installation of signage, final structures, fencing, and designated rest areas.

This cycle and pedestrian path, which runs through the Staffora Valley, represents one of the most important assets for green mobility and tourism in the province. It plays a vital role in the region’s sustainable development and in boosting eco-friendly tourism.

Work Done in Recent Months

The final section—from Salice Terme to the gates of Varzi—has already undergone numerous interventions. While not all may be immediately visible, these works were essential to secure the route and restore its functionality.

Here’s a recap of the main operations carried out over the past six months.

Crossing Structures

Nearly all restoration work has been completed on the many crossing structures intersecting the Greenway. These included:

• Light to moderate damage: Restoration through resurfacing, involving the removal of degraded and loose concrete by chipping, power washing, sandblasting, and brushing the exposed reinforcement bars.
• Severe degradation: Restoration involved full removal of degraded concrete, cleaning of reinforcement bars, application of galvanized welded mesh anchored with resin-filled holes, followed by spraying with suitable plaster.
• Destroyed structures: Some structures were so damaged they required complete demolition and reconstruction, either on-site or by replacement with culverts or prefabricated box sections.

Guardrails

In recent months, the heavily deteriorated or missing guardrails were either restored or replaced. Their reinstallation is currently being finalized.

The Arch Bridge

The restoration of a previously unknown buried arch bridge—part of the original Voghera–Varzi railway—has also been completed. This preserved structure replaces a newly designed bridge that was originally planned in the project. Small dams were built upstream of the bridge to prevent material buildup and ensure smooth water flow.

Path Stabilization

The path was stabilized using a lime/cement mix to a depth of about 40 cm, preparing it for surfacing with base layers of modified bitumen and a final wearing course. The process involved blending the soil with lime and/or cement to improve workability and mechanical strength, enhancing the load-bearing capacity and uniformity of the roadbed.

Stay tuned to our official website www.greenwayvogheravarzi.it for the latest updates on construction progress!