(ANSA) - Venice, February 11 - Venice has made plans to
protect St Mark's Square from 'acqua alta' flooding pending the
start of the MOSE flood barrier system later this year, sources
said Tuesday.
The plan is to protect the area from floods of up 110 cm, a
point at which MOSE would take over.
The plan, commissioned by the Consorzio Venezia Nuova
consortium in charge of MOSE, will cost some 30 million euros.
It envisages raising the sides of the water overflow barrier
on the St Mark's pier, as well as a system of pumps to draw off
rainwater and underground water, and mini-barriers placed at the
most exposed corners of the square.
St Mark's was damaged by an exceptionally high acqua alta of
187 cm in mid-November.
MOSE is expected to be partially up and running in May ahead
of a full opening next year.
Plan to save St Mark's from floods
Pumps, raised pier and mini-barriers to keep it dry up to 110cm