Imperial Fora: Pine Trees Under Observation, Partial Reopening by Mid-February
ROME – Via dei Fori Imperiali remains closed to the public, but behind the barriers, work is progressing relentlessly. The ongoing emergency concerning the stability of the historic pine trees continues to be a primary concern. This morning, a technical committee, coordinated by the Councillor for the Environment, Sabrina Alfonsi, and the General Director of Roma Capitale, Albino Ruberti, reconvened at the Campidoglio. The clear objective is to address this delicate situation with shared decisions based on scientific data, ensuring safety while, where possible, preserving the arboreal heritage.
Cross-Analyses and Teamwork
The Environmental Protection Department’s task force is collaborating with experts and professionals in the field, engaged in an integrated analysis that combines agronomic assessments with in-depth subsurface checks. The road closure, ordered by the Fire Department for safety reasons after a pine tree collapsed in recent days, remains in effect to allow for accurate controls and targeted interventions. The underlying idea is to avoid generalised solutions and intervene on a case-by-case basis, supported by solid technical findings.
Initial Results and Salvageable Pines
Initial analyses have brought some positive news: a portion of the trees along Via dei Fori Imperiali could potentially be saved. Over fifty static traction tests have already been carried out, and in several cases, the results have indicated conditions compatible with stability. For these specimens, safety interventions, such as anchoring and consolidation of the root ball, will proceed after further detailed checks on roots and soil, performed with technologically advanced instruments.
Selective Felling and Safety
However, not all checks have yielded favourable results. In some instances, considering the age of the trees, the condition of the root ball, the stability of the root system, and the soil conditions, analyses have highlighted critical issues that necessitate selective felling. For safety reasons, the pine tree immediately adjacent to the one that collapsed on Sunday, which was found to be unstable and unsuitable for retention, will be removed as early as tomorrow. This specimen will also be replaced, in compliance with the regulations for such a delicate area.
New Investigations and Technologies in the Field
Control activities will not stop here. Investigations will continue throughout next week, also to catch up on checks postponed due to recent rains. Five operational teams will be deployed, utilising specific instruments for subsurface analysis, such as ground-penetrating radar and air spades, useful for identifying any cavities or root damage caused by stratified interventions over the decades. The first dynamic data processing results are expected shortly, while the overall picture will be refined step by step.
New Pines and Road Reopening
In parallel with the checks, technical discussions have already begun regarding the future planting of new pine trees to replace those felled. The choice of species, dimensions, and planting methods will be shared between the administration and experts, taking into account the historical and archaeological constraints of the area and aiming for long-lasting solutions. The stated goal is a partial reopening of Via dei Fori Imperiali, starting from the left side towards Largo Corrado Ricci, during the week of February 16th. This step will also allow for the resumption of construction sites related to the Pnrr and Caput Mundi projects and a gradual return of one of Rome’s iconic locations to public use, under conditions of full safety.
