Rome’s Metro C subway project is moving forward with the construction of a 280-foot deep retaining wall around the flagship station at Piazza Venezia. The chief engineer, Andrea Sciotti, estimates that the project will be completed by 2034, after facing decades of bureaucratic, funding, and archaeological setbacks. The subway line will pass underneath significant cultural heritage sites such as the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column. This complex project has entered a crucial phase with the excavation of the deep retaining wall around the flagship station.
The Metro C subway line has been in the planning stages for two decades but has faced delays due to bureaucratic and funding issues, as well as the archaeological excavations required to navigate through ancient Roman ruins. Once completed, the subway line will run beneath important cultural heritage sites like the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column, and the Basilica of Maxentius, as well as Renaissance palazzi, churches, and the Vatican. The Italian culture ministry has been involved in every step of the project, ensuring that proper measures are taken to protect and preserve the archaeological treasures that lie beneath the city.
Chief engineer Andrea Sciotti emphasizes the uniqueness of the project, noting that it will involve excavating and building around 15-20 meters of hidden archaeological patrimony. He highlights the importance of addressing the challenges that come with working in such a historically rich area. New technology has made it possible to dig underneath archaeological sites while protecting the above-ground patrimony, setting a precedent that has attracted the interest of engineers in other parts of the world.
Currently, the project is in the preliminary phase of constructing the deep retaining wall around the Piazza Venezia station. This phase involves using a massive hydro mill trench cutter to dig columns that will be filled to create a retaining wall and secure the site’s perimeter. The Metro C line will improve public transport options in Rome by connecting the historic center to the Vatican and beyond. Once the line reaches Piazza Venezia, it will run underground at a depth of 150 feet to avoid disrupting the historic buildings above ground.
The eight-level Piazza Venezia station will provide underground connections to important landmarks like the Vittoriano monument, the Palazzo Venezia museum, and the museum under Hadrian’s Athenaeum. Chief engineer Andrea Sciotti expressed concern about the work near the Hadrian archaeological site, particularly near Trajan’s Column. Despite careful monitoring and buffering techniques to limit vibrations, there is always a risk of damaging these delicate structures. The completion of the Metro C project will significantly improve Rome’s public transport system while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
