by InTrieste
In a significant move to address coastal erosion and storm damage, Trieste has unveiled a €362,000 project to restore and fortify the Barcola breakwater and promenade. This initiative, presented on August 9, seeks to repair and enhance a vital component of the city’s waterfront defenses.
The project was announced by Michele Babuder, the city’s Assessor for Territorial Policies, during a press conference held at City Hall. Babuder expressed gratitude to Riccardo Riccardi, the Regional Assessor for Civil Protection, for his pivotal role in securing the funding and expediting preliminary repairs. “Today, we outline the final stages of restoration and upcoming initiatives aimed at mitigating damage caused by last November’s severe storms,” Babuder said.
Riccardo Riccardi highlighted the growing frequency of extreme weather events, noting recent storms in Trieste and surrounding regions. “Unpredictable weather conditions are becoming the norm. Our challenge is to ensure that restoration efforts can effectively address these new realities,” he remarked.
The restoration plan focuses on a 570-meter stretch of the Benedetto Croce waterfront, which has suffered significant erosion and structural damage. The breakwater, once wider and taller, has diminished in size due to adverse marine conditions and inadequate maintenance over the years. The new project aims to restore the breakwater’s original dimensions, enhancing its capacity to absorb and deflect storm surges.
The restoration work will involve placing new rock elements to reinforce the breakwater and increase its effectiveness against future storms. The project is set to commence in early September and is expected to take 70 days to complete. It will proceed in phases, beginning with the most severely damaged areas.
The initiative is part of a broader effort funded by the Regional Civil Protection, which allocated resources for six key restoration projects across the region. The funding also includes provisions for the recovery and repositioning of displaced rocks and the construction of a robust base for the new materials.
In preparation for the work, the municipality will coordinate with maritime authorities to restrict access to the affected areas, ensuring safety for both land and sea operations.
Interviews: Riccardo Riccardi, the Regional Assessor for Civil Protection, Michele Babuder, the city’s Assessor for Territorial Policies
