<strong>Bridge of hope: </strong>The new Genoa bridge, pictured here in an architect's rendering, is nearing completion after the final section was elevated into place.
Bridge of hope: The new Genoa bridge, pictured here in an architect's rendering, is nearing completion after the final section was elevated into place.
Courtesy RPBW Architects
<strong>Disastrous collapse: </strong>The new bridge replaces the old Morandi Bridge, a gigantic concrete structure which collapsed in August 2018, killing 43 people.
Disastrous collapse: The new bridge replaces the old Morandi Bridge, a gigantic concrete structure which collapsed in August 2018, killing 43 people.
ANDREA LEONI/AFP via Getty Images
<strong>Blast first: </strong>Before the replacement could be built, the remains of the original were destroyed in a series of explosions.
Blast first: Before the replacement could be built, the remains of the original were destroyed in a series of explosions.
VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images
<strong>Fast pace:</strong> Work on the new bridge was undertaken at an accelerated pace. Its engineers say work that would normally take three and a half years was squeezed into just over 12 months.
Fast pace: Work on the new bridge was undertaken at an accelerated pace. Its engineers say work that would normally take three and a half years was squeezed into just over 12 months.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images
<strong>Italian made: </strong>The new bridge was built by Salini Impregilo, an Italian construction company, and Fincantieri, a state-owned shipbuilder. The project cost 200 million euros, about $220 million,
Italian made: The new bridge was built by Salini Impregilo, an Italian construction company, and Fincantieri, a state-owned shipbuilder. The project cost 200 million euros, about $220 million,
Courtesy of Salini Impregilo
<strong>Night works:</strong> Construction went around the clock, with some work undertaken at night, provided it didn't breach acceptable noise levels.
Night works: Construction went around the clock, with some work undertaken at night, provided it didn't breach acceptable noise levels.
Courtesy RPBW Architects
<strong>Vital link: </strong>"This bridge is not just a stretch of highway. It also links two parts of the city of Genoa, so it was very important to have it working as soon as possible," says construction manager Stefano Mosconi.
Vital link: "This bridge is not just a stretch of highway. It also links two parts of the city of Genoa, so it was very important to have it working as soon as possible," says construction manager Stefano Mosconi.
Courtesy of Salini Impregilo
<strong>Defying the virus: </strong>Not even Europe's worst outbreak of coronavirus -- which placed most of Italy under lockdown -- halted work. Once the final touches are in place, it should open in July 2020.
Defying the virus: Not even Europe's worst outbreak of coronavirus -- which placed most of Italy under lockdown -- halted work. Once the final touches are in place, it should open in July 2020.
MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images
<strong>Marine inspiration:</strong> The bridge's architect, Genoa's own Renzo Piano, designed the structure to resemble a floating ship from below.
Marine inspiration: The bridge's architect, Genoa's own Renzo Piano, designed the structure to resemble a floating ship from below.
Courtesy Stefano Goldberg/RPBW Architects
<strong>Steel and breeze: </strong>"I wanted this bridge to tell a story about Genoa," says Piano. "A famous Genoese poet, Giorgio Caproni, wrote beautifully that Genoa is made of steel and breeze. This bridge will be a portrait of the city. It's made of steel, but it's also flirting with the breeze. It will be flying over the valley. It will be strong and powerful, but simple, like a beautiful song."
Steel and breeze: "I wanted this bridge to tell a story about Genoa," says Piano. "A famous Genoese poet, Giorgio Caproni, wrote beautifully that Genoa is made of steel and breeze. This bridge will be a portrait of the city. It's made of steel, but it's also flirting with the breeze. It will be flying over the valley. It will be strong and powerful, but simple, like a beautiful song."
Courtesy RPBW Architects
<strong>Into the air: </strong>The last piece is lifted into place on April 27. Piano watched with "a mix of pride, affection, sadness and a bit of melancholy, because the big adventure part of the project is done, the part when you take pieces of steel that weigh 2,000 tons and make them fly from the ground to a height."
Into the air: The last piece is lifted into place on April 27. Piano watched with "a mix of pride, affection, sadness and a bit of melancholy, because the big adventure part of the project is done, the part when you take pieces of steel that weigh 2,000 tons and make them fly from the ground to a height."
MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images
<strong>Passion and optimism: </strong>"The story of this bridge shows that the competence is there, the technology is there, even the passion is there," Piano said. "Making buildings is a gesture of optimism. I'm not surprised that somebody takes it as a sign of hope."
Passion and optimism: "The story of this bridge shows that the competence is there, the technology is there, even the passion is there," Piano said. "Making buildings is a gesture of optimism. I'm not surprised that somebody takes it as a sign of hope."
Courtesy RPBW Architects