Building infrastructure almost always entails identifying forward-thinking engineering solutions defined by the scope of use closely related to it. The lines of Ferrovienord were no exception and even today they often represent the cutting edge of the possibilities offered by existing technology. The truest representation of Ferrovie Nord’s consistently future-oriented approach is undoubtedly the bridge at Malnate, the most emblematic work of the entire company network. Although today it retains the renovated structure of 1927, it was originally built in 1884 at a height of over 60 metres above the Olona river, whose flow was then much more impressive than it is today.
The two metal piers consisted of only four columns connected by lightweight cross-vaults and the structure’s main innovation was the use of rolled iron instead of cast iron for the construction of the columns. The viaduct measured 235 metres in length and the central span measured over 67 metres.
The load tests were carried out by a consist of six steam locomotives of the three-coupled-axle type, and these alone illustrate the sheer magnitude of the construction. It is, however, just one of many examples of early railway engineering and later technological innovation which characterised, and continues to characterise, the entire history of Ferrovie Nord Milano.