The MOSE project is expected to cost between $2 billion and $3 billion. It involves building 78 mobile barriers at the lagoon’s inlets. These barriers will help keep Venice safe from high tides.

Designed in 1984, construction of the multi-billion euro Mose project started in 2003 but was plagued by delays, corruption and cost overruns. The 78 yellow barriers were tested in July and then ...