From the Sma bell the road barriers for the Winter Olympics

From the Sma bell the intelligent road barriers for the SS 51 Alemagna, a strategic axis in view of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In the heart of the Dolomites, State Road 51 Alemagna - which connects San Vendemiano to Dobbiaco, crossing Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige - has undergone a major infrastructure modernisation, also in view of the fact that it will have to support an increasing flow of motorists, tourists and sports enthusiasts during the Olympics.

An intervention that is also destined to leave a lasting legacy, even after the Olympic Games are over, by providing the territory with a safer, more modern and sustainable infrastructure. The objective of the intervention is to raise road safety levels without compromising the scenic value of one of Europe's most evocative natural settings, while at the same time improving the travel experience for those who travel this route on a daily basis and for those who will cross it during major international events. The intervention, led by Conte Rino e Figli, Cimoter, SMA Road Safety and VITA International, made it possible to secure fixed obstacles along the road, protecting motorists travelling along this scenic and challenging route.

Sma (with a turnover of EUR 15.7 million), in particular, supplied 30 barriers (worth EUR 500,000) that were custom-designed: first of all, their size was reduced to ensure maximum protection for road users and to keep their dimensions compatible with the natural and infrastructural context. The devices can ensure high performance even in case of impact with large vehicles, such as pick-ups. In addition, special attention was paid to the visual impact of the installations: they were painted with a wood effect, so as to harmonise with the surrounding environment and preserve the aesthetics of the Dolomite landscape, without sacrificing the effectiveness of passive road safety.

Suburban roads have always represented a complex challenge for planners and operators: articulated geometries, narrow spaces and a delicate natural environment require tailor-made technical solutions, often adapted directly on site. It is no coincidence that in 2024 it was precisely on these types of roads that 37,084 accidents occurred in Italy, with a death toll of 1,473 and over 56,000 injured. Numbers that confirm how infrastructure safety is a crucial issue, especially in mountainous areas with a high number of tourists.

"The devices adopted for the renovation of the SS 51 Alemagna demonstrate how road safety can take care of the environment in several ways: integrating with the landscape and ensuring a completely sustainable end of life. In fact, these solutions are entirely made of steel, a totally recyclable material. The Ermes terminal can also be repaired without replacing the entire device, reducing maintenance time and costs,' comments Roberto Impero, CEO of Sma Road Safety.