Italy’s Adriatic coast has been effectively severed after the Osento river in Abruzzo overflowed following severe weather, flooding the Adriatic railway line. Both tracks on the Pescara–Foggia line, specifically the Porto di Vasto–Fossacesia section, are out of service, causing cascading delays and cancellations across long-distance services.
The Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) Group confirmed that traffic has been suspended since approximately 5:15 PM on Wednesday, April 1, with initial indications suggesting the disruption will not be resolved quickly.
Frecciarossa and Intercity services severely impacted
The knock-on effects for national rail services have been significant. Multiple Frecciarossa high-speed trains operating between Milan and Lecce, Milan and Taranto, and Venice and Lecce were forced to terminate their journeys mid-route, while all Intercity services on the affected corridor have been cancelled entirely, according to Trenitalia’s website. The timing is particularly disruptive, falling on the eve of the Easter holiday travel period when demand across the network is at its seasonal peak.
Wider regional transport chaos
The Osento flooding is not an isolated event within the broader storm system. On the same Pescara–Foggia line, a suspension has also been triggered by the overflowing of the Cervaro River, while on the Caserta–Foggia line, traffic has been halted near Bovino due to the same waterway. The Bari–Foggia line has been reporting slowdowns between Barletta and Foggia since early afternoon.
Road infrastructure in the region has also been severely affected. In the Foggia area, the SS16 ‘Adriatica’ state highway has been closed after floodwaters from both the Cervaro River and the Fortore torrent deposited mud and debris across the roadway, with ANAS reporting the affected section running between km 685.900 and km 687.000. Traffic is being diverted along alternative routes, with signage in place.
Dam under pressure in Molise
Concerns are also mounting further north. Rainfall in Molise is placing significant pressure on the Liscione dam, where water levels were recorded at 124.86 metres above sea level by 6:00 PM Wednesday. This is just short of the 125.50-metre ordinary regulation threshold. Discharges in excess of 500 cubic metres per second are being conducted to manage reservoir levels, with inflows remaining high. Authorities describe the situation as under control but in fragile balance.
Restoration timeline uncertain
Engineers from Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) are on site across all affected areas, monitoring conditions and preparing to begin restoration work as soon as weather allows. However, with the storm system still active and river levels remaining elevated, no timeline for reopening has been confirmed.
Passengers travelling on the Adriatic corridor are advised to consult Trenitalia’s website for real-time updates and to explore rerouting options via the Tyrrhenian line on Italy’s west coast.
