Vulnerability and robustness of interdependent transport networks in north-western Italy

Abstract Infrastructure networks have become increasingly complex, whose progressively higher levels of interdependence make them even more vulnerable. This empirical analysis based on the Morandi bridge collapse examines robustness and vulnerability motorway railway in north-western Italy. By following a network topology-based approach, motorways railways are studied as one single interconnected multi-layer transport infrastructure. Based concepts geographic functional study provides insight into which nodes (and links) should be restored quickly possible when an emergency destructive event renders inaccessible. Moreover, it highlights greater fragility intermodal opens up debate regulation coordination restoring measures carried out by relevant authorities.