New bridge installed as Florence rail disruption continues until 30 July 2026

Engineers have successfully installed the new deck of the Ponte al Pino road bridge over the railway lines in Florence, marking a major milestone in a project designed to improve both road traffic and rail operations through one of Italy’s busiest railway junctions. The operation was completed overnight using a 2,000-tonne crane to lift the approximately 550-tonne structure into place in a single operation. 

The bridge replacement requires a temporary suspension of rail traffic between Florence Campo di Marte and both Florence Rifredi and Florence Santa Maria Novella stations. The disruption, which began on Sunday evening, is scheduled to remain in place until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 30 July, while crews complete work around the newly installed structure. 

Rail services operating with replacement transport

Rail operators have introduced replacement bus services to reduce the impact on passengers. High-speed Trenitalia travellers arriving at Campo di Marte are being transferred by shuttle buses to Santa Maria Novella, with the fleet increased from four to six vehicles compared with the previous closure earlier this month.

Regional rail passengers and Italo travellers are instead directed to free buses connecting with Florence’s tram network, allowing them to continue their journey to the city centre. According to reports from Florence’s main stations, disruption has so far been more limited than during the previous closure, although some commuters have reported longer travel times and additional transfers. 

A bridge with new pedestrian and cycling facilities

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), the company managing Italy’s railway infrastructure, said the overnight installation took just over two hours thanks to the use of the heavy-lift crane, allowing the bridge deck to be positioned in a single lift.

The new bridge will retain three traffic lanes while adding pedestrian pavements and a dedicated cycle lane, improving conditions for people travelling through the area by foot and bicycle. Further work, including road surfacing, access ramps, lighting and load testing, will continue over the coming weeks before the bridge is expected to reopen to road traffic in mid-September. 

Practical information

Passengers travelling through Florence until 11 a.m. on 30 July should check their train operator’s latest timetable before departure and allow additional time for transfers between Campo di Marte and Santa Maria Novella. Replacement buses and additional customer assistance remain available at both stations throughout the engineering works. 

(Cover photo via FS News)

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