This strategic infrastructure project, required to improve safety for both rail traffic underneath and road traffic above, will ensure safer and more reliable transport connections on Italy's main North-South high-speed railway artery between Florence and Rome.
To execute the work, Sarens deployed a CC8800-1 crawler crane (SSL 60m boom and 800t Superlift tray), as well as SPMTs, gantry cranes, and hydraulic lifting cylinders.
Executed on behalf of Sveco-Siscom, within a project commissioned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (FS Group), Italy's national railway infrastructure manager, the project involved removing the 140-year-old bridge in three sections and installing two new 180t bridge shoulders along with a main 390t bridge structure.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, has played a direct role in the replacement of the historic Ponte al Pino bridge in Piazza Giorgio Vasari, Florence (Italy). Spanning one of the most important high-speed railway arteries connecting the North and South of Italy, and managed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, the replacement of this 140-year-old bridge was essential to significantly improve safety conditions for rail traffic passing underneath and road traffic passing on top.
The operation involved picking up the three old bridge sections (weighing between 140 and 200 tons) at a 30-meter radius, slewing, crawling, and lowering them onto SPMTs at a 52-meter radius to transport them 300 meters to a laydown area. Subsequently, Sarens installed two new 180-ton bridge shoulders and the new 390-ton bridge structure at a 30-meter radius.
Sarens executed the scope in three distinct railway shutdown windows (July 6-7th, July 18-19th, and July 26-27th 2026) to minimize disruption to the strategic rail line connecting Florence and Rome. The railway possessions were planned and coordinated by RFI to ensure the safe execution of the works while limiting impacts on rail services. The Sarens engineering team used a CC8800-1 crawler crane configured with a 60-meter SSL boom and an 800-ton Superlift tray, alongside 20 SPMT axle lines, 4 gantry cranes, and 4 x 75t hydraulic lifting cylinders supplied by Zanetti Solution.
To carry out this project, meticulous engineering and planning were required, as there was zero margin for error due to the strict railway closure timeframes. The logistics phase posed one of the greatest challenges: the CC8800-1 crane had to be mobilized from the USA by vessel to the port of Marina di Carrara. From there, 63 road transports (including 12 heavy load transports) along with 12 trucks from Sarens HQ moved through the congested urban center of Florence, operating mainly at night under strict traffic restrictions and navigating tight maneuvers surrounded by residential buildings. The crane set-up was completed in 10 days despite high summer temperatures.
Aware of the critical nature of interrupting one of Italy’s main transport arteries, all lifting and removal operations were coordinated to strict timeframes, with night shifts implemented to ensure no delays impacted the high-speed rail services.
According to Francesco Marzola, Project Manager at Sarens: “This project presented a multitude of logistical and operational challenges for our team, particularly given the tight urban space, severe traffic restrictions in Florence, and the non-negotiable timing imposed by the railway shutdowns. Thanks to meticulous advance planning, high equipment reliability, and close collaboration with our partners, we executed the lifts safely and efficiently without disrupting Italy's vital high-speed rail network. We thank Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, Sveco-Siscom and Zanetti Solution for their trust and collaboration in making this crucial infrastructure upgrade a complete success.”
The new Ponte al Pino bridge is part of a broader infrastructure modernization programme in Florence and across Italy's railway network, addressing long-term structural safety and operational reliability. By replacing a structure that had served for over 140 years, the project guarantees safe transit for thousands of daily rail passengers and local road users.
Over the past few years, Sarens has established itself as a strategic player in the construction, installation, and renovation of bridges around the world. Recently, the company has completed several major projects, such as the installation of the new Pyramid Bridge KWN02 over the Ringvaart Canal in Ghent (Belgium), the installation of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Place Sainctelette in Brussels, the century-old Colbert Bridge in Dieppe (France), the 5,850-ton OA14 bridge in Bettembourg (Luxembourg), a pedestrian bridge in Hazebrouck (France), and an 8,400-ton railway bridge on the A1 freeway in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/