Eight Years After the Morandi Bridge Collapse: 43 Victims and €1.13 Billion in Unfinished Projects

The tragic event of the Morandi Bridge collapse remains etched in the memory of Genoa, with the date of August 14, 2018 serving as a somber reminder. At 11:36 AM on that day, a violent storm triggered the failure of a cable, leading to the collapse of pier 9 of the viaduct over the Polcevera River, part of the A10 motorway.

The aftermath was devastating: 43 lives were lost, numerous injuries were reported, and hundreds were forced to evacuate their homes. The impact extended to neighborhoods such as Sampierdarena and Cornigliano, highlighting the disaster's widespread repercussions.

Eight years later, the events surrounding the collapse are still very much in the public eye. On one hand, there is the recent first-instance verdict from the trial concerning the disaster. On the other, the issue of the compensatory works agreed upon following the tragedy remains unresolved, with approximately €1.13 billion in projects still pending.

The Trial and Its Outcome

The judicial process spanned about four years, featuring 284 hearings and 282 witnesses. A total of 57 individuals faced charges, following the deaths of two of the original 59 defendants. The charges included 112 counts, which encompassed accusations such as involuntary manslaughter and multiple counts of negligent disaster.

The first-instance ruling resulted in the conviction of 32 individuals, collectively sentenced to nearly 180 years in prison, while 25 were acquitted. One of the most notable convictions was that of Giovanni Castellucci, the former CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia, who received a 12-year prison sentence.

However, this legal journey is far from over. As this ruling is just the first step, some convicted parties have already expressed their intent to appeal. Detailed reasoning from the court is expected in January, which will shed further light on the decision-making process.

From Morandi Bridge to the New San Giorgio Viaduct

In the wake of the disaster, one of the most significant signs of recovery was the construction of the Genova San Giorgio viaduct, which replaced the Morandi Bridge. This new infrastructure restored a vital connection for the city and the Ligurian motorway network. However, the bridge's reconstruction was merely a fraction of the broader interventions planned after the tragedy.

In 2021, Autostrade per l’Italia and local authorities agreed on a comprehensive package of compensatory works valued at over €1.68 billion. Of this total, €583 million was allocated for the new viaduct. Yet, a much larger chapter remains open concerning mobility, connectivity, and infrastructure in the Genoa area.

Significant Projects Still to Come

According to the initial reports, approximately €1.13 billion worth of projects are yet to be realized. Among these, €100 million is earmarked for mobility, logistics, and digital projects in the Genoa area, with the municipality still needing to finalize their allocation.

In contrast, the situation regarding the €75 million designated for the Port Authority to reorganize the port's traffic is more advanced, with most of these funds already utilized. The most significant financial commitments, however, are tied to two major infrastructures: the subport tunnel and the Val Fontanabuona tunnel.

Initially projected at €700 million, the cost of the subport tunnel has escalated to €1.1 billion. The first phase, valued at €210 million, has commenced, while the bidding process for the second phase, costing €800 million, has been completed. Meanwhile, the Val Fontanabuona tunnel is set to receive €230 million, with the definitive project expected in December and construction slated to begin in January.

Ongoing Challenges Eight Years Later

The date of August 14, 2018 has left an indelible mark on both Genoa and Italy. While the new San Giorgio viaduct has addressed some of the infrastructural damage, significant issues remain unresolved. The first-instance verdict marks an important milestone in the judicial process, but it is not the final chapter: motivations for the ruling will follow, and the potential for appeals looms.

In terms of infrastructure, the pressing issue is the €1.13 billion in projects still to be completed. These initiatives were conceived as part of the response to the Morandi Bridge tragedy, yet, eight years later, many have yet to materialize into active construction and operational infrastructure.

The new bridge exists, and the trial has produced a preliminary verdict. However, eight years after the Morandi Bridge collapse, a significant portion of what was planned for Genoa remains unfinished.