Milan's municipalities have decided to proceed with the construction work on Via Pellico starting tomorrow, which has raised concerns among local businesses and hotels. Despite pleas to postpone the commencement of the project to late April, aimed at safeguarding tourism during the Easter holiday and the upcoming Design Week from April 21 to 26, the city has confirmed that the works will go ahead as scheduled. This decision could potentially affect foot traffic in the area during a peak tourist season.

The construction involves the repaving of both Via Pellico and Cattaneo, leading to the complete closure of these streets to traffic, with the exception of a specific stretch that will be temporarily regulated as a two-way road. Local authorities have communicated with businesses involved in associations like Il Salotto and Confcommercio Milano regarding these changes. This adjustment is crucial as it may lead to significant disruptions for pedestrians and businesses reliant on the bustling tourist activity.

To mitigate some of the impacts, local police will be present in the first week of the construction to manage pedestrian flows. Authorities assure that safe pedestrian pathways will be restored and clearly marked during the construction period to maintain accessibility and ensure safety. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between urban development projects and the needs of local commerce, particularly in a city known for its vibrant tourism and upcoming seasonal events.