Launching of a 55-meter pedestrian bridge in Potenza
The bridge will connect two elevators accessible through dedicated towers
Exceptional lifting case study in Italy: lifting a 160-ton steel structure in a complex urban environment
Marraffa, a company specialized in heavy lifting operations among the most impressive in Italy, was commissioned to carry out the launching of a 55-meter steel pedestrian bridge weighing 160 tons, an integral part of Potenza’s new vertical mobility system.
The operation involved significant technical challenges due to:
- operating height: installation of the structure at 40 meters above ground level;
- urban environment: extremely limited maneuvering space;
- terrain morphology: the need to overcome significant elevation changes to access the construction site.
The pedestrian bridge is part of a new mechanized pedestrian system designed to connect Via Cavour with the historic center of Potenza, improving accessibility between different areas of the city.
The bridge will connect two elevators, accessible through dedicated towers, creating a direct link between the north-eastern area of the city and Via Vescovado.
Exceptional lifting of the pedestrian bridge: a highly complex technical operation
The launching operation required a sequence of extremely delicate maneuvers:
- complete lifting of the steel structure;
- controlled 90-degree rotation;
- millimetric positioning in its final configuration.
An intervention of this magnitude requires engineering precision, advanced logistical planning, and highly specialized personnel in the field of heavy lifting operations and industrial assembly.
Equipment used for the bridge lifting: Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane
The success of the operation was made possible by the use of the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane, one of the most advanced lifting machines currently available on the market.
Thanks to its high lifting capacity and advanced control systems, the crane ensured precise handling and maximum operational safety throughout the entire lifting process.
The choice of this machine proved crucial for lifting such a large pedestrian and cycling bridge within a complex urban environment.
In addition to the lifting operation, one of the main challenges of the project involved site logistics:
- The mobile crane was transported to the work area along an unpaved route with a 30% slope, with the support of specialized tractor units;
- Once on site, the crane was positioned in a confined area using dedicated engineering solutions, ensuring stability and safety even under extremely demanding operating conditions.
Marraffa: expertise in heavy lifting and complex infrastructure projects
The launching of the pedestrian bridge in Potenza confirms Marraffa’s expertise in heavy lifting operations, bridge launching projects, and exceptional transport services in Italy.
This project combines technological innovation, technical planning, and operational expertise, contributing concretely to infrastructure development and sustainable mobility in the region.