GENOA – The remainder of the Morandi viaduct, which partially collapsed some 11 months ago killing 43 people, has been demolished in a controlled explosion, reports Ansa. This means reconstruction can begin in earnest.

 The two pillars holding up the last section of the bridge were destroyed Friday morning with an explosion which required some 3,500 residents to evacuate their homes. Pillars 10 and 11 were demolished before a crowd including Deputy Prime Ministers Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini at 9.37 a.m., bringing an end to the demolition process which has been ongoing since February.

 The two pillars consisted of some 4,500 tonnes of concrete and steel. Water tanks were placed around the towers to prevent the spread of dust and all roads within 300 metres of the site were closed.

 Mayor of the northern Italian city Marco Bucci reported "Everything went according to plan.” There had been a short delay because of an elderly individual who was reported to still be in his apartment within the evacuation area, but the demolition was safely carried out.

 Mayor Bucci is also commissioner for the new viaduct. Residents of Genoa will now look forward to reconstruction beginning in earnest. Checks are being carried out but residents should be allowed to return Friday afternoon.

 The bridge partially collapsed on August 14 last year because of poor maintenance, crushing the traffic beneath it. It is thought that cable stays had been corroded over time, damaged by sea air and compounded by heavy traffic. The incident raised serious questions about Italian infrastructure.

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