Once this project is complete, Valsesia's crews will repair or rebuild bridges blown during the war. Driver reactions are mixed. Though they initially resisted the discipline imposed by the repair crews, some appreciate the smooth, black ribbons they leave behind. He said he worries more about the bandits who raid him at night, demanding a draw from his cargo. The roadside casualties bear witness.
Rusted wrecks mount one another in fields.
A frog-green Volkswagen bus sits on bare wheels, now just a frame left to rot where it apparently skidded last. Valsesia knows this spectacle. And while he spoke happily about this year's roads and next year's bridges, he worries over what will happen when drivers who now shred down cratered trails are introduced to quick, sleek streets. But I may have more death on my head than before.