The Kaiser was currently holding talks in Rome about the Plöcken Pass, which had been closed by rockfall, the link in the Carnic Alps between Kötschach-Mauthen in Upper Carinthia and Paluzza in the province of Udine. “I have received assurances from the Italian side that it will be possible to run the Plöcken Pass again by the end of this year,” said Kaiser in Rome.
A visit to Carinthia in Rome
Wednesday is the day of the general audience of the pope in Rome. And there was a delegation from Carinthia in series 1 today too. During the visit, Governor Peter Kaiser and other top representatives of the state had space for bilateral discussions, for example about the Plöcken Pass.
Closed since December
Plöcken Pass is no longer accessible since a landslide last December – more on this in Plöcken Pass closed after rock fall (kaernten.ORF.at; December 2, 2023). The reopening of the B111 in Austria and SS52 in Italy, which connects Oberdrauburg with Tolmezzo, is being worked on despite bad weather to create a temporary solution for the connection in this geologically difficult area by the end of 2024, explained Kaiser. The connection is of economic and tourist importance for the Paluzza/Tolmezzo area and for the Hermagor and Spittal areas in Carinthia and Lienz in Tyrol – more on this in the effects of the Plöckenpass closure (kaernten.ORF.at; June 7, 2024).
Rock barriers are erected
New, highly effective rock fall barriers and snow containment nets are planned, as well as modern early warning sensors that can be used to predict the occurrence of new landslides. Along with the repair of damaged components, these measures are intended to ensure safe traffic on the state highway again.
The transport official Martin Gruber (ÖVP) also took part in the meeting with the experts of the Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini from the right-wing party Lega Nord in Rome, who was holding talks at the Italian level with the transport commissioner for the Friuli-Venezia region Giulia. , Cristina Amirante, and led by a bilateral group of experts. Since April, the bilateral working group has been examining possible options for a safe, long-term expansion of the Plöcken Pass.
Examination of three versions
“Three options are currently being examined: a road bypass, a top tunnel and a bottom tunnel. Experts will make recommendations to us, then we will make decisions,” emphasized Kaiser. Talks are underway with the Italian side. “We are concerned that the problems of the community, which is suffering greatly due to the closure of the Plöcken Pass, be resolved as quickly as possible,” said Kaiser.
The Plöcken Pass (Passo di Monte Croce Carnico) is located at an altitude of 1,357 meters above the Adriatic. The actual pass road is 37 kilometers long and crosses the main Carnach ridge between Kötschach-Mauthen and Timau (Tischelwang). It was already in use by the ancient Romans.