by InTrieste
A critical section of Via Commerciale, one of Trieste’s main arteries, has been temporarily closed following the detection of a gas leak, according to a statement issued by AcegasApsAmga, the regional utility company.
The closure affects the stretch of Via Commerciale from Piazza Casali to Via Cordaroli, as crews work to address what officials described as a significant gas leak discovered late Thursday night near number 63. Emergency measures were swiftly put into place overnight, with workers securing the affected gas pipeline.
Repair efforts are already underway, with excavation beginning early Friday morning. AcegasApsAmga, in coordination with municipal authorities, has closed the road to all vehicular traffic for the duration of the repairs.
While officials have not provided a precise timeline for when the road will reopen, the statement emphasized that the closure would remain in effect for as long as necessary to ensure safety. “Given the location of the leak, Via Commerciale will be closed to vehicle traffic at number 63 until the work is completed,” the company said.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Transit Changes
The road closure is causing significant disruptions for commuters in Trieste, where Via Commerciale serves as a vital route for drivers entering and exiting the city. Although unaffected sections of the road remain open, motorists are being urged to use alternative routes to navigate around the construction site.
Public transportation is also experiencing significant alterations. Trieste Trasporti has announced that bus lines 2/, 28, and 64 are being temporarily rerouted. Line 28, in particular, will take a detour through Via di Conconello and continue along Via Commerciale until it reaches the bus stop near number 156, where it will reverse direction and proceed to its terminal at Via Giaggioli.
These diversions are expected to remain in place for the duration of the repairs, with local authorities advising residents to plan for extended travel times.
A City on Alert
As Trieste braces for the impacts of this unexpected closure, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in a city known for its historic streets and buildings. While no injuries have been reported, the gas leak has renewed concerns about the state of the city’s utilities.
Local businesses along the affected section of Via Commerciale have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the closure on their operations. Residents, too, are adapting to the temporary but disruptive change in their daily routines, many now relying on alternative routes and bus services to get to work or school.
The city’s authorities have promised timely updates as the situation progresses, with hopes of restoring normal traffic flow as soon as it is safe to do so.
