A new motorway bridge in Genoa
replacing one that collapsed killing 43 people two years ago
will be inaugurated on August 3, Genoa Mayor and bridge
reconstruction commissioner Marco Bucci said Tuesday.
The Genoa San Giorgio Bridge, which is expected to be
inaugurated by President Sergio Mattarella, will be unveiled at
18:30 that day, Bucci said on Facebook.
Bucci said Monday he would be in touch with Mattarella on the
best date.
"The static testing is ongoing, things are going well and there
are no obstacles," he said.
Static testing went forward Monday and sources said it would
take a total of six days to complete the tests, which started
Sunday.
A stress test was carried out as 56 lorries went over the new
structure, for a total weight of around 2,500 tonnes.
The deadly collapse of the Morandi Bridge on August 14 2018 has
led to a deal whereby the Benetton group will gradually exit
Italian motorway management.
Benetton's Atlantia holding company will cut its stake in
motorway company Autostrade per l'Italia (ASPI) to zero over the
coming year.
Government bank Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) will gradually
build up a 51% stake in ASPI.
ASPI will thus become a public company, quoted on the Milan
bourse.
The ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) had vowed to
eject clothing icons the Benettons from ASPI, blaming them for
an alleged lack of maintenance that allegedly led to the
bridge's collapse.
The new bridge, built in record time for Italy, has been
designed by Genoa native and starchitect Renzo Piano.
It features sail-like structures, to reflect the northwestern
port city's rich maritime heritage.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
