Despite a series of crises, including heavy rainstorms, flooding, and the current Covid-19 epidemic, the replacement bridge over the River Polcevera at Genoa, is nearing completion. Teams of workmen have been on the job night and day to try to meet the planned inauguration date on the 21st June 2020. The Morandi Bridge collapsed on the 14th August 2018, causing many victims. It was considered a national tragedy. The bridge, a 1,182m long viaduct that spanned an industrial area and two railway lines as well as the river, was constructed between 1963-1967 and took the name of the designer, civil engineer Riccardo Morandi, celebrated for his innovative use of reinforced and prestressed concrete. The bridge was considered revolutionary for its time. Unfortunately, however, it was not built to cope with today's heavy traffic and over time it developed some serious structural defects that required frequent maintenance. The loss of the bridge cut the city in half and forced traffic to take a long diversion, so the job has been given top priority, with the contract given to two leading Italian construction giants, Salini Impregilo and Fincantieri. The plans were donated by world famous architect, Renzo Piano. Meanwhile, work has slowed due to the Coronavirus, with some 50 workmen in quarantine, and this has cast doubts that the inauguration date can be honoured. Meanwhile, the scaffolding on the bridge is floodlit with the three colours of the Italian flag, red, white and green, in honour of the heroic work of Italy's medical staff during the present epidemic.
info.commissionario.ricostruzioni.Genova.it
