Rome, February 13 – A task force conducting inspections along Via dei Fori Imperiali has unanimously decided that twelve of the first thirty-six pine trees examined pose a significant risk of collapse and must be removed. These trees failed traction tests and other advanced assessments, including ground-penetrating radar and air spade technology. The decision was made to ensure maximum safety for citizens, workers, and visitors in this historically significant and highly frequented area.
Immediate Action and Tree Replacement
The affected trees include ten pines on the left side of the road heading towards the Colosseum and two on the right. These will be replaced with new specimens of the same species, appropriate in size and age. This replanting will follow a protocol specifically developed for Pinus pinea on Via dei Fori Imperiali by the Environment Department, in collaboration with representatives from Crea (Council for Research in Agriculture and Analysis of Agricultural Economics), the Botanical Garden of Sapienza University, and professional orders of agronomists, foresters, agrotechnicians, and agricultural experts. A partial reopening of the road is anticipated for Monday, allowing passage for workers involved in Pnrr construction sites and pedestrians.
Ongoing Checks and Enhanced Safety Measures
Inspections are continuing on the remaining trees, out of a total of 54 (24 have been deemed stable or require further checks), not only along Via dei Fori Imperiali but also in front of the Colosseum, in Piazza dell’Ara Coeli, and near the Arch of Constantine. Given the unique conditions of these century-old pines, made more unstable by decades of human intervention, including planting in confined spaces and on reclaimed land, the technical committee has decided to increase the risk coefficient applied to traction tests from 1.5 to 2. This measure aims to guarantee an even higher level of safety.
Recent Incidents Highlight Urgency
The urgency of these measures was underscored by a recent incident in the Eur district, where a large pine tree fell due to severe weather conditions on Viale Umberto Tupini, civil number 65. The falling tree destroyed three cars, though fortunately, no one was injured. Firefighters, the Environment Department, and local police responded to the scene, leading to temporary alternate one-way traffic as the tree blocked half of the roadway. Additionally, heavy rains caused another overflow of the ditch in Bel Poggio, in the northern quadrant of the capital, which had previously flooded, causing significant disruption to residents.
Expert Warnings and Previous Incidents
Experts have consistently warned about the emergency posed by unstable trees in Rome. Following a previous pine collapse on Via dei Fori Imperiali, specialists called for thorough checks. This marks the third such incident in a short period, with another large pine falling in the area, injuring three people. Radar technology has been suggested to identify damaged roots and prevent future collapses. Selective felling has been proposed as a necessary measure, with the adjacent tree to the recently fallen one scheduled for removal this Saturday.
City’s Commitment to Safety and Preservation
The city of Rome is committed to addressing the critical situation of its historic pine trees while preserving the iconic landscape of the Imperial Forums. The comprehensive evaluation and planned interventions aim to balance public safety with the environmental and historical value of these ancient trees. The replacement of felled trees with carefully selected new specimens ensures the continuity of the area’s characteristic flora.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_13/fori-imperiali-a-roma-sui-36-pini-esaminati-12-sono-a-rischio-crollo-vanno-abbattutti-a35aad8a-1391-4d8b-94af-d80c00c23xlk.shtml
