In December 2023, a rockfall of approximately 25,000 m3 disrupted traffic along the SS52 bis highway, under the jurisdiction of Anas S.p.A., at the Monte Croce Carnico Pass – an important international mountain crossing connecting Italy and Austria. The geological assessment made it possible to determine the magnitude of the event and to identify the most effective technical solution to ensure the safety of personnel and the timely reopening of the route. The site underwent slope stabilization works, removal of unstable rock masses using explosives, and the installation of high-performance rockfall barriers with a Maximum Energy Level (MEL) of 11,178 kJ marking their first deployment in Italy. The works were completed with the installation of a slope-mounted monitoring system, impact sensors on the falling rock protection kits, and a ground-based radar scanning system for the entire slope. 

Keywords: Rockfalls, rockfall mitigation works, geotechnical monitoring.