RFI: rail services have resumed at the Florence hub
The first phase of work to replace the Ponte al Pino railway bridge has been completed
Train services on the Florence Campo di Marte–Florence Rifredi and Florence Campo di Marte–Florence Santa Maria Novella routes resumed as normal at 4 am on Friday 10 July, following the completion of the first phase of works on Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (FS Group) to replace the Ponte al Pino railway bridge.
Network renewal works
The railway company’s press release states: “During the closure, the removal of the old deck was completed; it was cut into three sections and moved using a 2,000-tonne crane, one of the largest used in Europe for this type of work. Work has also begun on demolishing the existing abutments, a preparatory step for carrying out the works required to install the new bridge. These works, carried out in a heavily urbanised area, represent one of the most complex engineering operations on the national rail network and required the deployment of around 70 highly specialised workers from leading Italian companies in the construction and heavy-lift sectors.”
The impact on traffic
To minimise the impact on rail and urban transport, train services were reorganised during the disruption to allow the works to be carried out. “Services were maintained through a dedicated operational plan, involving replacement services, alternative routes and constant monitoring of train movements. At the same time, a comprehensive passenger assistance plan was put in place, involving FS Group staff at the affected stations and support from the Civil Protection system,” explains RFI. The second and final work window is scheduled from 11.00 pm on Sunday 26 July to 11.00 am on Thursday 30 July, when the new railway overpass will be installed, completing the project to renew and enhance the safety of the infrastructure.
