Genova’s New Bridge: A Triumph of Engineering and Resilience

On Monday, August 3rd, at 9:15 PM, the “Focus” network will air a special program commemorating the inauguration of the new Ponte Piano. This comprehensive documentary details the entire history of the Polcevera viaduct, underscoring its profound significance for Genoa, Liguria, and Italy as a whole. Presented by Luigi Bignami and produced by Mediaset’s science and discovery channel, under the direction of Marco Costa, the program, titled “Genova’s New Bridge: A Triumph of Engineering and Resilience,” offers a multi-faceted perspective. It examines the construction of the original Morandi Bridge, its catastrophic collapse, its subsequent demolition, and the design and construction of its replacement, a gift to his city from the renowned architect Renzo Piano. The documentary respectfully acknowledges the 43 lives lost in the tragedy, the enduring grief of their families, and the ongoing judicial proceedings. Produced by Videovoyagers of Genoa, this special program is a tribute to Paolo Micai, a cherished Mediaset collaborator who passed away in March of this year due to COVID-19, leaving a profound void in his beloved Genoa. The broadcast seeks to address crucial questions arising from the unthinkable event: Was the original bridge structurally sound? Did its design represent a risk for its time, or a testament to Italian engineering prowess? Why was its demolition such an exceptional feat? What perils were involved? What diverse expertise and resources were deployed, and for how long? What innovative technologies were employed? What are the unique attributes of Piano’s bridge? Who built it, and how, adhering to such a stringent timeline? How are bridges routinely inspected and maintained, and with what equipment and professional skills, accounting for inherent risks and complex decision-making? The program features commentary from a professor at the Politecnico di Torino on the design and characteristics of Riccardo Morandi’s original project, followed by a reconstruction and analysis of the Ponte delle Condotte collapse. It further documents the dismantling of the debris and illustrates the precise controlled demolition of Morandi’s piers 10 and 11, successfully executed without causing damage to the city. The program details the innovative assembly techniques for Piano’s bridge, highlighting how its apparent simplicity belies intricate design and resourceful solutions to complex engineering and logistical challenges. Finally, the special showcases the vision and features of the Polcevera Park, conceived by architect Stefano Boeri. Two additional documentaries will follow: “June 28th, 2019: The Implosion of the Morandi Bridge” (9:15 PM), a technical examination of the controlled demolition process, and “Bridges and Viaducts: The Maintenance Challenge” (11:15 PM), a French production following bridge maintenance crews as they inspect, repair, and replace critical components on various large structures.