Specifically, west of the Sampierdarena basin, the upgrade of Via della Superba, which cuts across the port, has been completed. The new viaduct, which provides a dedicated road link into the port for heavy-goods vehicles from the Italian motorway network Genoa Airport to the cargo terminal facilities, across the new Ponente Smart Port Gate, has been constructed and will soon be ready for use. Over 35% of road vehicles access and exit the port through the Ponente Gate, one of the thirteen port gates located across the Port of Genoa which have recently been equipped with new gate automation systems.
The high-capacity Via della Superba connects with the new Pope Bridge which is now near completion. Applauded for its state-of-the-art design, the bridge has been built on two multi-lane levels, providing a direct road link for heavy goods vehicles transiting the Genoa-Sampierdarena port basin. Upon completion, the bridge will be up to 200 metres long and 35 metres high per 3,800 tons in weight. The lower lane has already opened, whilst the upper lane will be available shortly.
East of the Sampierdarena basin, the upgrade and extension of the existing port flyover, which will connect directly with the new Via della Superba across the Pope Bridge, is also scheduled to be completed according to the timeline. Simultaneously, works in progress in the port, commissioned by Autostrade per l’Italia as part of the large-scale infrastructure project to construct the new Underwater Road Tunnel, are on track to demolish the viaduct and roads encircling the Lighthouse of Genoa where the entrance to the tunnel is due to be built and covered on the surface by a new public park, representing a further momentous step towards the completion of the urban regeneration of the Ligurian capital.
HGV access, across the San Benigno Port Gate from the Genova-Ovest motorway exit to the container terminal facility at Calata Bettolo and to the liquid bulk and bunker facilities at Calata Olii Minerali, is also set to improve. The project, on schedule, foresees the construction of a 4-multi-lane viaduct in the port area connected directly to the terminal gates, and a second viaduct which will provide direct access on both sides of the Bettolo-Rugna Rail Yard serving the Calata Bettolo, Calata Olii Minerali and SECH facilities. The new layout of the area south of the rail yard has been reviewed to incorporate new parking facilities for HGVs, cars and motorbikes.
The future road infrastructure and layout across the Genoa-Sampierdarena basin, alongside the new port gate automation systems soon in place, will offer the daily high volume of incoming/outgoing trucks to the Port of Genoa the opportunity to access and exit the port rapidly and efficiently, with a sharp reduction in transit and dwelling times.
