For centuries the main route connecting the valley with the outside world was a rough mule track across Mount Pura, linking Sauris with the nearest village, Ampezzo.
During the 19th century, plans began to take shape for a carriageable road through the gorge cut by the Lumiei river, following the coarse track which already wound through it.

It wasn't until the 20th century, between 1919 and 1934, however, that work finally began, with varying fortune. Particularly outstanding was the construction of a reinforced concrete, single arch bridge, 105 metres high over the bed of the river Lumiei.

Between 1941 and 1948 the Sauris basin was theatre to another great achievement: the construction of the Lumiei hydroelectric plant and its majestic barrage, at 136 metres the highest in Italia at that time and one of the largest in the world.
Due to the shortage of local manpower, engaged on the front, between the spring and autumn of 1943, 300 New Zealand prisoners of war were employed in construction of the barrage. No less than 21 workers lost their lives during the works.

The houses of the village of La Maina situated in the valley line filled in by the artificial basin were rebuilt on higher land.

Construction of the barrage.	Construction of the Lumiei bridge.