4-Lane Highway at Pompeii Ruins Hits Dead End

Italy’s minister of culture said last week that he will not approve construction of a four-lane highway adjacent to Pompeii’s famous ruins and across the ancient city’s unexcavated necropolis.

Carlo Vizzini, whose ministry protects and preserves archeological sites, said “in no case” will he approve a project “that not only edges, but minimally touches” excavations at Pompeii.

Some members of Pompeii’s city government proposed reducing traffic congestion in the modern city by linking two existing highways with a new one stretching a little more than a mile along the famous tourist attraction.

Opponents argue that the exhaust and vibrations would damage the ancient stones, and that the highway would prevent excavation of Roman archeological treasures in the necropolis.