A new Genoa bridge replacing one
that collapsed in mid-August 2018 killing 43 people will be
inaugurated "on a day between August 1 and the 5th," Genoa Mayor
and reconstruction commissioner Marco Bucci said Monday.
"The static testing is ongoing, things are going well and there
are no obstacles," he said.
Bucci said he would contact Italian President Sergio Mattarella
later Monday to see what would be the best day for the
inauguration.
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.
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