The work built by Toto Costruzioni Generali on behalf of the Province of Mantua has passed tests in recent weeks
San Benedetto Po, February 29, 2024. In the early afternoon, the new San Benedetto Po Bridge was opened to vehicle transit. As of today, the infrastructure is usable thanks to the completion of the two bypasses, one on each bank, that allow its crossing. This is a high-level engineering work perfectly inserted in the territory and built by Toto Costruzioni Generali, the result of an investment allocated mainly by the Lombardy Region and with the Province of Mantua as the contracting station. The new bridge was built to replace the old concrete link, now at the end of its useful life and moreover impacted by the 2012 earthquake, as well as some exceptional flood events over time. Over the course of these years, the work was planned and conducted with minimal disruption to vehicular traffic on the pre-existing bridge, except during the launching operations of the new structure in February 2022 and three days prior to today’s date.
The new structure, with a total length of 329 meters, consists of 2 metal arch decks, 180 meters and 149 meters respectively; the tubular arches are 35 and 30 meters high, and the total weight of the bridge, made of Corten steel, exceeds 5,000 tons.
The connection between the two banks of the Po at the height of the municipalities of Bagnolo San Vito and San Benedetto Po will have, once the last phase of the interventions by the Province of Mantua for the construction of the floodplain section is completed, a modern, safe and durable infrastructure, also equipped with two side lanes for the bicycle-pedestrian tourist route to allow everyone maximum enjoyment of the structure. In fact, these are complemented by special provisions for the disabled, escape routes and special signage for boats and aircraft. The choice of corten steel will then allow the bridge’s maintenance costs to be contained and is in complete harmony with the colors of the surrounding nature.
“We are pleased to have delivered this work, particularly awaited by the population, to our client: the Province of Mantua, to whom our thanks go for the trust and collaborative relationship that has been created over time,” – comments Alfonso Toto, for Toto Costruzioni Generali – “It was a complex and challenging work, just think of the placement of the bridge, a mode performed for the first time in Italy. Thanks to the commitment of all the Administrations, we also overcame a period, that of the pandemic, which was very difficult and led to some delays in the completion of the work. Further recognition goes to the entire surrounding area. It not only welcomed us but also actively contributed to the realization of the work thanks to the incredible local industrial fabric that distinguishes the area.” Toto adds.
The new bridge, currently in a temporary position parallel to the old structure, will later be moved in place of the old structure, which will be demolished once the floodplain connection with the former SS 413 Romana Provincial Road is completed.
