The replacement for the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy, which collapsed in 2018, is nearing completion despite a the onset of the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the country.

The New York Times reports the new bridge is designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, whose firm donated its expertise to help bring the project to life. 

In February, Archinect reported that work on the bridge had been progressing at a steady rate following a June 2019 construction start. 

The original bridge was built in the 1960s and collapsed due to years of neglected maintenance and other structural issues. Marco Bucci, mayor of Genoa, tells The New York Times, “Renzo Piano said the bridge should last 1,000 years,” adding, “There’s no reason it shouldn’t.” The project was quickly brought to life due to extraordinary administrative powers that were granted to Bucci as part of an effort to realize the replacement as quickly as possible.

Major structural work on the 3,500-foot-long bridge has been completed, according to The New York Times. Additional work that remains to be completed includes topping the structure with concrete and asphalt, among other aspects.