What kind of bridge needs only one central pillar? Look right there at the Ponte strallato di Porto Marghera. You might wonder about its unusual design. The Ponte strallato di Porto Marghera is a cable-stayed bridge. It was designed to be a symbol of Porto Marghera’s industrial redevelopment.
The bridge was designed by the Parisian firm Jean Muller International (JMI). It was built to connect the main roads of the Porto Marghera industrial zone. This included Via del Commercio, Via dell’Azoto, and Via dell’Elettricità. The design was so innovative that it was even featured in an exhibition in 1999 called “Venice: The New Architecture”.
Construction on the Ponte strallato di Porto Marghera began in 2002 and was finished in 2006. This marvel of engineering cost about 20 million euros. The bridge’s most striking feature is its single 75.4-meter-tall central pillar. This pillar supports the entire bridge deck. This deck is made of weathering Corten steel. The steel was chosen for its ability to resist the salty air and harsh industrial environment. The deck curves gracefully with a radius of 175 meters.
The Ponte strallato di Porto Marghera isn’t just a bridge. It is a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of the industrial heart of Venice.