Another train disruption in Florence: Italia split in two

Rail services on the line running through Florence have been suspended once again, leaving Italia split in two and causing potential disruption for tourists and commuters. Following the removal of the old deck, completed during the first maintenance window in July, work to replace the Ponte al Pino railway bridge is entering its decisive phase. From 11 pm on Sunday 26 July until 11 am on Thursday 30 July, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), a subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), will commence the second construction window of the project at the Tuscan junction, dedicated to the installation of the new bridge. The structure, weighing approximately 550 tonnes, will be installed in place of the previous structure removed during the first phase of the works. The operation represents one of the most complex stages of the project, taking place in a heavily urbanised area that is strategic for both rail and urban transport. The project forms part of the programme to renew and enhance the safety of the infrastructure linking the centre of Florence with the Campo di Marte area.

To allow these works to take place, rail services will be reorganised between 26 and 30 July, with a reduction of around 50 per cent in the number of scheduled trains at the Florence hub, in accordance with a plan agreed with the railway operators. The changes will affect various services: high-speed, Intercity and regional services, with possible cancellations, route restrictions, timetable changes and longer journey times. On some routes, replacement services or bus connections between the main stations in Florence may be provided. Some high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) may be diverted along the Tyrrhenian line (Rome–Pisa), resulting in journey times increasing by up to two hours and 30 minutes (already reflected in ticketing systems), whilst regional trains will stop at Firenze Campo di Marte, from where shuttle buses will run to the city centre. The authorities continue to urge the public to limit travel to Florence as much as possible and to work from home where possible.

The first phase of the works was completed on 10 July; during this period, the old deck was removed, cut into three sections and lifted by a 2,000-tonne crane. The Tuscan Councillor for Transport, Filippo Boni, recalled the difficulties encountered in the early days – which were resolved in part thanks to reports from members of the public – and expressed the hope that the experience gained would enable the new phase to be tackled with less disruption. Demolition work on the existing abutments had begun, as a preparatory step for the installation of the new bridge. With the installation of the railway viaduct, the project will enter its final phase, marking a key milestone in the replacement of a strategic structure for the Florence railway junction and for transport in the Ponte al Pino area.