TRIESTE – The planned three-month closure of the Tarvisio rail crossing, beginning with the first phase in September between 2027 and 2028 has emerged as one of the main critical issues for logistics in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The matter was discussed in Udine during the regional transport steering committee convened today by infrastructure councillor Cristina Amirante, together with logistics system operators. The suspension of the line դեպի Austria represents a sensitive issue for international freight flows, particularly for rail links between the Port of Trieste and the markets of central Europe.
For this reason, the Eastern Adriatic Sea Port Authority has called for the establishment of a dedicated working group specifically to address issues related to rail network difficulties. The Udine-Tarvisio railway line will be completely closed from 22 August to 20 September 2026 for major maintenance and infrastructure upgrading works by RFI. Freight traffic will be diverted mainly via the Brenner route, with further stoppages also planned in 2027 and 2028. Additional maintenance-related disruptions are under way or planned along the Latisana-Trieste Centrale and Udine-Cervignano lines, with specific disruption between Cervignano Smistamento and Cervignano Aquileia Grado.
The Tarvisio closure comes within an already complex scenario, marked by geopolitical tensions and higher fuel prices, with direct effects on exports, imports and operating costs across the regional logistics chain. In discussions with operators, the Region highlighted the need to coordinate technical and political measures in advance to manage the interruption, involving Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, national institutions and foreign partners. The aim is to limit the impact on rail flows and ensure alternative solutions during the closure period. Among the proposals put forward by operators was also the assessment of a possible system of extraordinary subsidies for road haulage, so that part of the freight can be moved as far as Villach, in Austria, for train formation. At the same time, the issue of energy costs remains central, as these also affect rail transport, along with the definition of support instruments such as the regional rail freight incentive.
