Starting Monday, July 7, Florence’s tram line T1 will be partially interrupted due to track replacement works in the well-known “noisy curve” between viale Fratelli Rosselli and via Iacopo da Diacceto. The project aims to reduce travel times and improve comfort on one of the city’s busiest tram lines.
During the construction period, T1 will operate in two separate segments:
– From Villa Costanza to Porta al Prato – Leopolda
– From Unità to Careggi
To bridge the interrupted section between Porta al Prato and Alamanni-Stazione, Autolinee Toscane will provide a replacement bus service running approximately every 5–6 minutes during the day and every 8–10 minutes in the evening. The alternative route includes stops near the existing tram stations and follows a short loop through central Florence.
Line T2 (Peretola – Unità) will remain fully operational and is unaffected by the works.
Reason for the Work
The curve in question has shown signs of excessive wear due to its unique geometry, which lacks a clotoid—a curve design that reduces track stress and is standard in tram and rail infrastructure. Originally built in 2010 to accommodate a switch towards viale Strozzi (later abandoned), the current structure contributes to faster-than-normal metal fatigue on the rails.
After several temporary fixes over the years, the operator GEST has opted for a long-term solution. The new project involves removing 160 meters of worn rail and replacing it with a redesigned curve that includes clotoids to reduce future wear. The process will also involve removing and restoring cobblestone paving and storm drains to preserve the street’s original appearance.
Impact and Timeline
The construction site will span approximately 40 meters but will not affect vehicular traffic. The works, fully funded by GEST, will be carried out by Ing. De Aloe Costruzioni (Brescia), with technical oversight by GEST’s Maintenance Division and site coordination by engineer Maurizio Falzea.
While the intervention is expected to take about two months, passengers are advised to expect longer travel times—particularly on the replacement bus, which has lower capacity than the tram (100 vs. 270 passengers). Commuters may need to wait for more than one bus during peak hours.
Travel Tips
- From Porta al Prato to Careggi: Take the replacement bus to Alamanni, then either walk to Valfonda tram stop or transfer to T2 towards San Marco-Università and change to T1 at Valfonda.
- From Careggi to Villa Costanza: Exit the tram at Valfonda, walk to via Alamanni, and board the replacement bus, or take T2 towards Peretola and change at Alamanni.
Previous disruptions of this type have occurred, such as in 2012 and 2016, due to construction in Scandicci and structural works at the Foggini underpass. Each time, temporary transport plans were implemented to minimize inconvenience.
Florence’s tram network carries approximately 160,000 passengers daily, and this work is considered essential to ensure its long-term reliability and efficiency.