by InTrieste
In a long-awaited infrastructure intervention, more than 100,000 cubic meters of gravel are being removed from the Arcola stream area near town of Barcis, part of a broader effort to secure a flood-prone stretch of local road. Regional officials expect the work to be completed by Easter.
“The works will be completed by the Easter period, ensuring safe road access for everyone,” said Cristina Amirante, regional councillor for Infrastructure and Territory in Friuli Venezia Giulia, during a recent inspection of the site. She was accompanied by Barcis Mayor Claudio Traina and representatives from the construction firm overseeing the project.
Three months into the operation, gravel removal is in an advanced phase. The confluence of the Arcola stream into the Cellina River has been fully cleared, addressing long-standing concerns about the area’s vulnerability to hydraulic issues. Local roads have historically been impacted by periodic flooding, particularly during the fall rainy season.
“The section of road along the stream was flooded four times between October and November of last year,” Ms. Amirante noted. “Even short bouts of rainfall caused severe disruptions, making it clear that safe circulation could no longer be guaranteed.”
The culverts along the affected stretch have been cleaned, and the final phase of the project will involve transporting the remaining lithoid material to Montereale. That task is expected to be completed within 20 to 30 days, depending on weather conditions.
To date, approximately 70,000 cubic meters of gravel have been removed. Officials anticipate surpassing the 100,000-cubic-meter mark by the end of April. The entire project, which includes gravel extraction, material transport, and culvert cleaning, is budgeted at €2 million.
“This is a significant milestone,” Ms. Amirante said. “Before the Vaia storm, it was not possible to carry out such structured interventions in this area. Now, thanks to necessary authorizations and improved emergency management, we have restored safety and full accessibility to the local road network.”
