Sente Longo, Steel and concrete bridge in Abruzzo and Molise, Italy
Sente Longo is a steel and concrete bridge that spans 1200 meters across the Sente River valley. The structure rises 185 meters above ground, connecting the provinces of Chieti and Isernia.
Construction began in 1974 and finished in 1977. A worker named Francesco Paolo Longo died during the building phase, after whom the bridge was later named.
On 2 May 2011 the viaduct was named after Francesco Paolo Longo, a worker who died on 4 May 1974 during the first excavation works for the bridge. The structure carries the ex Strada Statale 86 Istonia, the road linking Castiglione Messer Marino in the province of Chieti with Belmonte del Sannio in the province of Isernia.
The deck has been closed to traffic since 25 September 2018, so it cannot be crossed on foot or by vehicle. The SS 86 Istonia approach roads on the Abruzzo and Molise sides remain the only way to reach the viewpoints near the piers. A 2023 ministry plan foresees work on the deck and on piers 2 and 7, with heavy vehicles still barred afterwards.
The bridge was once Italy's tallest road structure. An earthquake in August 2018 caused damage that led to its closure and has left its future uncertain.
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