He added that the 3.4-kilometre-long tunnel, which runs under the port bay, 45 meters below sea level at its deepest point, will reduce surface vehicle traffic and create a “greener and cleaner” environment in the city on the Ligurian Sea coast. At a ceremony marking the start of work on Tuesday, Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister.
The minister pointed out that, given the diameter of the two road tunnels, which range between 16 and 16 metres, this will be the “largest” in Europe and the fourth largest in the world. In the tunnel, cars can travel from one end of the city to the other at a speed of 70 kilometers.
The underwater tunnel plan, designed by star architect Renzo Piano, has been cherished for decades, and Salvini described the start of construction as a “historic day” in the life of the city. The tunnel, which costs one billion euros, is scheduled to be delivered in the summer of 2029.
Through the construction of the tunnel, one million hours of vehicle travel time can be saved every year, which has a beneficial impact on the environment – emphasized Roberto Tomasi, President of the Italian Highway Company (ASPI). He said that by diverting traffic under the sea, 10 hectares of new public parks with bicycle and pedestrian paths will be created.
Cover image source: Getty Images
