Bridge dispute over new San Michele crossing divides officials and residents in Paderno d'Adda

A dispute over the location of a new bridge over the Adda River is dividing officials and residents, with the project facing opposition before construction has even begun. The infrastructure agency RFI, the Lombardy Region, and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini have decided to build the new San Michele bridge next to the historic 19th-century viaduct between Paderno and Calusco d'Adda. However, local mayors, citizens, and the "Occhio al Ponte" network oppose this, arguing the choice was made without proper consultation and will cause traffic increases, expropriations, and environmental damage. The network's spokesperson, Chiara Bonfanti, says the objection is not about design quality but the location itself, noting the international design contest assumed the site near the old bridge. Critics also worry about a combined road-rail bridge causing total closures if issues arise, and the uncertain fate of the original Eiffel Tower "twin" structure.