A New Crossing for Florence: Arno Bridge Opens After Half a Century

Florence has opened a new bridge across the Arno River, the first built in the city in almost 50 years. The structure connects the Bellariva area on the north bank with the Albereta-Anconella area on the south bank and forms part of the new tramway project linking Florence with the neighbouring municipality of Bagno a Ripoli.

Hundreds of residents joined a public walk across the bridge before it was opened to traffic. During the inauguration ceremony, the bridge was officially named after Nadia and Caterina Nencioni, the two young sisters who were among the victims of the 1993 Via dei Georgofili bombing, a Mafia attack that killed five people and damaged part of Florence’s historic centre. The name was chosen through a public consultation launched by Mayor Sara Funaro.

The new crossing is considered a key element of Florence’s expanding tramway network and is expected to improve connections between neighbourhoods on opposite sides of the river. City officials said the project will also create new public spaces, cycling and pedestrian routes, and upgraded green areas along the riverbanks.

Traffic changes

For the moment, only two of the bridge’s three traffic lanes are open, with one lane operating in each direction. One of the two planned pedestrian and cycle paths is also available to the public. Additional work, including the installation of external cladding, railings, permanent lighting and landscaping, will continue over the coming months.

The opening has also brought changes to local traffic circulation. Two-way traffic has been restored on part of Via Lapo da Castiglionchio, while a one-way system has been introduced on the final section of Via Minghetti. New traffic lights have been activated at both ends of the bridge.

A strategic infrastructure project

The bridge is approximately 180 metres long and consists of two spans supported by a single pier located in the river. The wider northern span stretches from Bellariva to the central support, while the southern span crosses the Albereta park area without interrupting public access to the green space below.

Designed to accommodate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, the bridge will eventually operate with two lanes heading north towards Lungarno Colombo and Bellariva and one lane heading south towards Via di Villamagna and the Albereta district. The project also includes picnic areas, new seating, upgraded pathways and the construction of a skate park within the neighbouring riverside park.

The opening marks a significant milestone for the Florence-Bagno a Ripoli tramway line, one of several public transport projects intended to reduce car dependency and improve mobility across the metropolitan area. Construction on the tramway itself is continuing.

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