Vicenza officials oppose Settecà high-speed rail crossing

Local authorities in Vicenza are intensifying opposition to the proposed high-speed rail (TAV) infrastructure design for the Vicenza East-Padova stretch. The primary point of contention is the Settecà railway crossing, a surface-level solution that officials argue will permanently damage the urban landscape and residential quality of life.

Francesco Rucco, Vice President of the Veneto Regional Council, has requested an urgent meeting with Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini to reopen discussions on the project. While supporting the strategic importance of the high-speed rail, Rucco opposes the current technical orientation proposed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI).

Simultaneously, Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai has rejected RFI’s recent communications, stating they fail to address the municipality’s demand to investigate ‘Option Zero.’ This alternative seeks to avoid doubling the tracks and eliminate the Settecà crossing entirely to reduce construction disruption and environmental impact. The Mayor has indicated that the administration will issue negative opinions on the project if RFI continues with the current plan, though he remains open to discussing alternatives such as undergrounding the line or relocating the crossing.