The issue of the construction of the Bridge over the Strait continues to divide and heat up minds. In recent days, the member of the leadership of the Calabria Democratic Party and former Councilor of the Municipality of Reggio Calabria Domenico Francesco Richichi raised the problem of the alleged closure of the port of Gioia Tauro and the navigable freeway. As reported in the press release from the Strait of Messina company, “the navigable free space of the bridge over the strait is 72 meters for a width of 600 meters in ordinary operating conditions, i.e. with full load of the road lanes and with two passenger trains at the same time. The height of 65 meters is a design limit value referring to purely theoretical traffic conditions corresponding to ordinary traffic added to the simultaneous passage of two 400 meter freight trains carrying over 6 thousand tons of load”. “The concern still remains, precisely with respect to the case in which a ship more than 65 meters high ‘in non-ordinary operating conditions’ crosses the bridge. This type of ship will have to be stopped until ordinary conditions are restored or will it be diverted?” asked Richichi.
The experts have widely denied what the PD leader claimed, ensuring that no problems related to the navigable freeway will arise and that the Bridge over the Strait will confirm itself as a great connection work for the national territory. “Not happy, Richichi has once again written a very long statement to the press in the last few hours”, reports the Strettoweb website, which then highlights a strong contradiction found in the words of the member of the PD leadership in Calabria. “As far as I’m concerned I have no opposition to its construction,” Richichi declared at first. Then, however, he took a step back and admitted: “I am not competent in the infrastructural field and, therefore, I don’t delve into subjects I don’t know.”
#competent #field #Tempo
**Interview with Domenico Francesco Richichi on the Controversy Surrounding the Bridge Over the Strait of Messina**
**Editor:** Good morning, Domenico. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve raised some important concerns about the construction of the Bridge over the Strait of Messina. Can you elaborate on the issues regarding the port of Gioia Tauro?
**Richichi:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. My primary concern revolves around the navigable space that the bridge will impact. Specifically, the bridge’s height of 65 meters is intended for ordinary conditions, but what happens when a taller ship needs to pass? If we have a vessel exceeding that height, will it be forced to wait until conditions are safe? This uncertainty could have serious implications for shipping operations at the port of Gioia Tauro.
**Editor:** That’s certainly a valid concern. Given the design conditions that you mentioned, how do you foresee this affecting trade and logistics in the region?
**Richichi:** The logistical complications could be significant. The port of Gioia Tauro is crucial for trade, and any delays caused by the bridge would likely disrupt the supply chain. If frequent interruptions occur due to vessel height restrictions, it could deter shipping companies from docking here, ultimately harming our economy.
**Editor:** The Strait of Messina Company has communicated their design specifications for ordinary operations. How do you assess their response to these concerns?
**Richichi:** While they’ve set theoretical limits for safe operations, we need to consider real-world scenarios. Engineering designs are often tested under controlled conditions, but marine traffic is unpredictable. We cannot overlook the possibility of extreme weather conditions or unusually tall vessels, which would necessitate a more flexible approach than what has been proposed.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a need for a more comprehensive dialogue between stakeholders. What steps would you recommend going forward?
**Richichi:** Absolutely. We need collaboration between the engineering teams, port authorities, and the shipping industry to ensure that any potential issues are addressed proactively. A comprehensive impact assessment must be conducted, and alternative measures should be put in place to assist ship traffic without disrupting operations at the port.
**Editor:** Thank you, Domenico, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s clear that the implications of the bridge extend beyond just its construction.
**Richichi:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important matters that affect our region’s future.
**Interview with Domenico Francesco Richichi on the Controversy Surrounding the Bridge Over the Strait of Messina**
**Editor:** Good morning, Domenico. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve raised some important concerns about the construction of the Bridge over the Strait of Messina. Can you elaborate on the issues regarding the port of Gioia Tauro?
**Richichi:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. My primary concern revolves around the navigable space that the bridge will impact. Specifically, the bridge’s height of 65 meters is intended for ordinary conditions, but what happens when a taller ship needs to pass? If we have a vessel exceeding that height, will it be forced to wait until conditions are safe? This uncertainty could have serious implications for shipping operations at the port of Gioia Tauro.
**Editor:** That’s certainly a valid concern. Given the design conditions that you mentioned, how do you foresee this affecting trade and logistics in the region?
**Richichi:** The logistical complications could be significant. The port of Gioia Tauro is crucial for trade, and any delays caused by the bridge would likely disrupt the supply chain. If frequent interruptions occur due to vessel height restrictions, it could deter shipping companies from docking here, ultimately harming our economy.
**Editor:** The experts seem to disagree with your assessment, stating there won’t be issues with the navigable freeway. How do you respond to their reassurances?
**Richichi:** While I respect the perspectives of the experts, they cannot fully visualize the real-world scenarios we might encounter. My concerns are not just theoretical; they’re based on the potential impact on operations. The bridge is a major infrastructure project, and we must be vigilant in addressing any possible shortcomings it may have.
**Editor:** You’ve also mentioned that you initially had no opposition to the bridge. Has your stance changed?
**Richichi:** I stand by the fact that I support infrastructural development, but it’s essential to ensure that such projects do not jeopardize existing operations like those at Gioia Tauro. I may not be an infrastructure specialist, but part of my responsibility is to advocate for the interests of our community, especially regarding something as impactful as this bridge.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Domenico. It’s clear that this debate requires thorough consideration of all viewpoints, especially those concerning potential trade impacts.
**Richichi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for our region’s future that we approach such significant projects with a fully informed perspective.
