What are the reasons behind the construction of the buildings under the Morandi Bridge in Genoa

The Morandi Bridge, also known as the Polcevera Viaduct, was a key transportation infrastructure that connected the city of Genoa, Italy. However, the tragic collapse of this bridge on August 14, 2018, claimed the lives of 43 people and left many wondering about the reasons behind the construction of the buildings beneath it.

One primary reason for the construction of buildings beneath the Morandi Bridge was maximization of available space. Genoa is a densely populated city surrounded by hills and mountains, making land a limited resource. As a result, constructing buildings under the bridge allowed for more efficient land use and increased the number of available dwellings in the city. This approach of utilizing otherwise unused space is a common feature in many urban areas with limited land availability.

Additionally, the presence of buildings under the bridge helped to facilitate economic activities in the area. The Morandi Bridge was a vital transportation link, carrying significant traffic and offering easy connectivity to the Genoa port, which is one of the busiest in Italy. Establishing commercial and residential spaces under the bridge allowed businesses to thrive in a convenient and accessible location. Small shops, offices, and apartments flourished, attracting customers and residents who appreciated the central location and the bridge’s accessibility.

However, the construction of buildings under the Morandi Bridge also raises concerns regarding safety and engineering practices. The collapse of the bridge shed light on potential flaws in its design and maintenance. Investigations following the tragedy revealed issues such as corrosive conditions and questionable structural integrity, which ultimately contributed to the bridge’s failure. These findings emphasized the importance of proper design and regular maintenance in ensuring the safety of both the bridge and the structures around it.

Furthermore, the urban landscape around the Morandi Bridge gradually evolved over time. Initially, the buildings constructed beneath the bridge might have seemed like a practical approach to optimizing space and providing economic opportunities. However, as the years passed, urban planning practices have evolved, and safety regulations have become stricter. Today, constructing buildings under such critical infrastructure is considered risky and potentially hazardous.

In the aftermath of the bridge collapse, the Italian government and local authorities have taken decisive steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. They have embarked on a comprehensive assessment of other bridges across the country, addressing safety concerns, and implementing stricter regulations. The collapse of the Morandi Bridge has served as a wake-up call, leading to increased vigilance in infrastructure maintenance and ensuring public safety.

In conclusion, the construction of buildings under the Morandi Bridge in Genoa was primarily driven by the need for efficient land use and economic development in a densely populated city. However, the collapse of the bridge exposed serious flaws in the design and maintenance practices, leading to further scrutiny of similar structures across Italy. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous inspections, maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations to prevent future catastrophes.