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The project originated from the urgent need to restore a strategic infrastructure following its closure due to structural damage. The concept involved preserving the historic concrete arch (built in 1954, at the time the largest arch bridge in Italy) and replacing the deck with a new, wider and safer steel, concrete composite structure, while respecting the original identity. The intervention harmonizes with the Apennine landscape, safeguarding the Rupe del Sasso and the urban context of Sasso Marconi.
Key elements included seismic retrofitting, deck weight reduction, use of high-durability coated steel and optimization of works within just 12 months, without environmental impact on the Reno River or railway interruptions.
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The new metal deck is formed by a grid of three main welded composite beams, 1.50 m in height and spaced at 4.60 m to align with the existing arches. The grid is completed with welded double-T crossbeams spaced at 4 m, with variable section to follow the road profile’s dual slope.
To minimize the weight of the wider new deck, a composite steel–concrete system was used where the concrete slab extends only beneath the roadway. The lateral cycle-pedestrian paths are supported by an orthotropic plate.
These orthotropic decks consist of 12 mm steel plate with vertical stiffeners (200 mm x 15 mm) spaced every 600 mm and continuous through the crossbeams. The concrete slab (23 cm thick) is cast on a 5 mm thick metal lattice deck.
The project restored the functionality and value of the Leonardo da Vinci Bridge, originally built in 1957 and designed by Bruno Bottau. The structure, iconic for its 144 m reinforced concrete arch, underwent an exceptional deck replacement and restoration in record time: just one year.
The new deck, lighter and 15.90 m wide, now accommodates two traffic lanes and two cycle-pedestrian paths, improving safety and accessibility. The design conserved the historical arch through surface restoration and introduced a new steel, concrete composite deck with hinged inclined struts that prevent stress on the arches.
The intervention prioritized environmental sensitivity: deconstruction from above with no debris falling to the ground, no railway service disruption and installation of new systems via temporary scaffolding.
Material sustainability guided the project: grey-painted S355 steel to match the historical arch, optimized assembly systems, limited welds and high-performance concrete casting.
This is a virtuous example of integrated engineering, blending preservation, innovation, efficiency and safety in a technically and environmentally demanding setting.
Selective dismantling techniques and high-capacity handling equipment allowed rapid, non-invasive work over the railway and preserved the Reno River ecosystem. Reconstruction phases were equally swift and minimally invasive.
The new Leonardo da Vinci Bridge is a testament to how structural memory and technological progress can merge. It is a structure that combines beauty, engineering and sustainability in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines.
Politecnica is one of Italy's leading integrated design firms, specializing in Architecture, Engineering, and Urban Planning for over 50 years. With 46 partners and over 350 collaborators, they have completed prestigious projects in 60+ countries, driven by the vision: Building for Humans. Politecnica focuses on community and individual well-being, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda's sustainable goals. They create infrastructure that connects communities, safe public buildings for social exchange, innovative healthcare facilities, and educational buildings that foster interaction. Engaged in over 150 projects, they support sustainable development globally. With four offices in Italy and a presence in 10 countries, Politecnica excels in managing multidisciplinary, multicultural projects, becoming a global ambassador of Italian design and engineering competence.
