New Bridge In Venice Greeted With Criticism

"But this crucial moment in the construction of the new bridge drew a vocal little pack of Venetians for other reasons: It cost a lot. It was terribly delayed. It will be hard for people in wheelchairs to cross. And perhaps most of all, the bridge is defiantly, if elegantly, modern - a departure, love or hate it, that has Venice asking if this is how it wants to define itself."

"In practical terms, the bridge is meant to make it easier to move - on foot, of course - between the train station and the bus terminal at Piazzale Roma, major transportation centers in the north of Venice."

"The bridge may be red, but it is svelte and, supporters say, gracefully unobtrusive. When completed, it will extend 94 meters with no cables. To connect it to tradition, the bridge will be partly built with local Istrian marble. Despite the nod to history, the bridge has faced intermittent grumbling since the contract was awarded in 2002, splitting the city between strong supporters and detractors. Still, however deeply felt, the opposition never hit a decisive crest even as the construction of the bridge dragged on for years and its cost more than tripled to nearly $14 million."