The strengthening of the 130-year-old San Michele bridge in Paderno d'Adda, Italy – an experience between past and present.

The San Michele Bridge in Paderno, Italy, is a prime example of the refurbishment of a historic structure. An architectural and historical landmark, it is the last of a remarkable group of trussed arch bridges built in the late XIX century to be fully operational, and serves the Seregno-Bergamo railway line and the provincial road SP54/166 connecting Paderno d'Adda and Calusco. In 2014, after 130 years of service, the bridge was subjected to an extensive survey and inspection campaign to acquire a more profound knowledge of the structure and its reliability. Overall, the inspections revealed that the bridge was still in a decent state but needed refurbishment. This article will briefly present the challenges faced in the design and execution of the refurbishment works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]