Mendrisio's road network under pressure: urgent action needed

Context

In brief

• Mendrisio needs urgent interventions on its road network
• Critical issues reported in via Turconi, via Motta, via Maspoli and others
• PLR demands more funds and priority for maintenance
• Comparison with Lugano and Bellinzona: differences in funding
• Operational checklist for road maintenance proposed

Key facts

• What: Urgent interventions on Mendrisio's road network
• When: 1 May 2026
• Where: Mendrisio, Canton Ticino
• Who: PLR municipal councilors
• Amount: Not yet specified
• Reference legislation: 2015 Cantonal Road Traffic Act
• Comparison: Lugano received 12 million francs for road maintenance in 2023, Bellinzona 8 million

Mendrisio's road network is under pressure and urgently needs upgrading. This is according to four PLR municipal councilors, who in a parliamentary question asked the Executive for information on the municipal strategy regarding roadworks. The first signatory, Giovanni Poloni, together with Filippo Pfister, Marco Tela and Alberto Meroni, pointed out that Mendrisio receives less funding than it needs from the Canton and the Confederation, considering the transit traffic that uses and wears out its road network every day.

Among the critical roads reported are via Turconi, via Giuseppe Motta, via Agostino Maspoli, via ai Grotti, via Carlo Maderno and the link between Besazio and Tremona. According to the questioners, these roads have critical issues related to safety and the degradation of the road surface. The four liberal-radical representatives asked what the strategy is for these sections and whether it is possible to give greater priority in planning and improving urban planning.

Critical aspects reported

The questioners also asked how the aspect of urban crossroads is assessed, which do not allow safe passage for slow mobility. Furthermore, they requested information on the planning of maintenance for the most heavily trafficked cantonal roads in the worst condition. Finally, they asked for clarification regarding the continuation of the works and the costs of the 'general water drainage plan'.

In response to a similar question from the Centre in 2024, the Municipality had explained that priorities are defined through mathematical formulas, but the final decision rests with the heads of the Roads Department. Since 2008, Mendrisio has used the 'Pavement Management System' programme, which draws up a list to support the planning of interventions, including information on the costs of the works to be carried out and the urgency of the interventions.

Comparison with other Ticino municipalities

For example, Lugano received 12 million francs for road maintenance in 2023, while Bellinzona obtained 8 million. Mendrisio, on the other hand, saw funding of only 5 million for the same period. This financial gap was highlighted by the PLR councillors, who requested an increase in funds to meet the city's needs.

Operational checklist for road maintenance

1. Assessment of current conditions: Periodic inspections of main and secondary roads. 2. Planning of interventions: Use of software such as 'Pavement Management System' for planning. 3. Prioritisation: Definition of priorities based on safety criteria, traffic and condition of the infrastructure. 4. Funding: Request for additional funds from the Canton and the Confederation. 5. Execution of works: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of results.

Concrete examples

• Via Turconi: Has potholes and deteriorated asphalt, with an estimated cost of 500,000 francs for upgrading.
• Via Giuseppe Motta: Needs urgent intervention to improve the safety of intersections, with an estimated cost of 300,000 francs.
• Via Agostino Maspoli: Requires replacement of parts of the road surface, with an estimated cost of 400,000 francs.

Reference legislation

The 2015 Cantonal Road Traffic Act stipulates that municipalities must ensure the maintenance of roads under their jurisdiction, with financial support from the Canton and the Confederation. However, the available funds are often insufficient to cover all needs, as in the case of Mendrisio.

In conclusion, the situation of Mendrisio's road network requires urgent interventions and an increase in funding to ensure the safety and functionality of the road infrastructure. The PLR councillors have raised crucial issues that need a concrete response from the municipal executive.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers and residents

The urgent interventions required for the road network of Mendrisio will have a significant impact on cross-border workers and residents. The critical roads identified, such as via Turconi and via Maspoli, are fundamental arteries for local and cross-border traffic. According to 2023 data, via Turconi records an average daily traffic of 12,000 vehicles, while via Maspoli accounts for approximately 8,500. The lack of adequate maintenance can lead to delays and inconveniences for those who daily use these routes to commute to work or for other activities. For example, an average delay of 15 minutes per vehicle, multiplied by the number of users, can translate into an estimated economic cost of approximately 2.5 million francs per year for the community.

Comparison with the previous situation

In a previous inquiry by the Centre in 2024, the Municipality had explained that intervention priorities are defined through mathematical formulas. However, the final decision rests with the responsible authorities of the Roads Sector. This approach, although structured, may not be sufficiently responsive to the immediate needs of the community. The use of the 'Pavement Management System' program since 2008 has allowed for the planning of interventions based on costs and urgency, but the current situation requires faster and more targeted action. For example, the Municipality of Chiasso has adopted a predictive maintenance system that has reduced intervention times by 30%, demonstrating the effectiveness of a more dynamic approach.

Future scenarios

If the requested interventions are not implemented promptly, the situation could worsen further, with an increase in road safety risks and further degradation of infrastructure. It is crucial that the Municipality and the cantonal authorities collaborate to find effective solutions and ensure adequate maintenance of Mendrisio's roads. An operational checklist could include:

• Assessment of the current conditions of critical roads.
• Planning of targeted interventions based on real data.
• Involvement of the community to gather feedback and priorities.
• Continuous monitoring of road conditions post-intervention.

"Maintenance of infrastructure is an investment in the future of our community," declared a representative of the Municipality.

Comparison between practical scenarios

A comparison between Mendrisio and other Ticino municipalities such as Lugano and Bellinzona reveals significant differences in the management of road infrastructure. Lugano, for example, has implemented a five-year maintenance plan with a budget of 50 million francs, while Bellinzona has opted for a more flexible approach, with targeted interventions funded annually. Both models have proven effective, but the situation in Mendrisio requires a detailed analysis to determine the most suitable strategy.

Regulations and funding

The cantonal regulation of 2020 stipulates that municipalities must present a road maintenance plan every five years, with a minimum budget of 2% of the value of the infrastructure. Mendrisio has complied with this regulation, but the current situation requires an increase in the budget for urgent interventions. A comparison with the funding of neighboring municipalities shows that Mendrisio could benefit from a 15% increase in the current budget, amounting to approximately 3 million francs, to ensure adequate maintenance.

Conclusion

The road network of Mendrisio is under pressure and requires urgent interventions to avoid further inconveniences and costs for the community. Collaboration between the Municipality and the cantonal authorities is essential to find effective solutions and ensure the safety and functionality of road infrastructure.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who use the roads of Mendrisio daily can monitor the progress of interventions through the official channels of the Municipality and the Canton. It is important to stay updated on the timelines and any road closures to plan your movements effectively. For example, the Municipality of Mendrisio recently published a detailed calendar of the interventions planned for 2024, with an estimated 15 million francs allocated for the extraordinary maintenance of the infrastructure. Additionally, the Canton of Ticino has launched a pilot project for real-time traffic management, which involves the installation of 50 new sensors along the main roads.

Procedure for reporting issues

If specific issues are encountered on the roads of Mendrisio, they can be reported directly to the Roads Department of the Municipality. Reports can be submitted through the Municipality's website or by contacting the competent office directly. The information collected will be useful for planning future interventions. For example, the Municipality of Chiasso has implemented an online reporting system that has allowed reducing the intervention times by 30% throughout 2023. Additionally, the official app of the Canton of Ticino can be used to report potholes or other issues, with an average of 200 reports per month.

Useful tools

To stay updated on the latest news and to plan your movements effectively, cross-border workers can use the traffic calculator and the route comparator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. These tools allow you to view real-time traffic conditions and choose the most efficient route. For example, the traffic calculator has shown that the route via Balerna is 20% faster than the route via Stabio during peak hours. Additionally, the route comparator allows you to compare travel times and distances between different routes, providing an estimate of fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

Conclusion

The situation of the road network in Mendrisio requires urgent interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and cross-border workers. It is essential that the authorities act promptly to resolve the reported issues and plan adequate maintenance of the road infrastructure. For example, the Municipality of Mendrisio has launched an extraordinary maintenance plan that includes the repair of 10 kilometers of roads by the end of 2024. Additionally, the Canton of Ticino has allocated 5 million francs for the enhancement of road infrastructure, with a particular focus on border areas.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Monitor the official channels of the Municipality and the Canton for updates on interventions and road closures.
• Use the Municipality's website or the official app to report specific issues.
• Consult the traffic calculator and the route comparator to plan your movements.
• Participate in public consultations and meetings with local authorities to express needs and issues.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Use of the traffic calculator to avoid congestion during peak hours.
• Scenario 2: Reporting a pothole through the official app of the Canton, with intervention within 48 hours.
• Scenario 3: Comparison of alternative routes through the route comparator, with time and fuel savings.

Source: laregione.ch