In a significant development, Italy has granted final approval for a groundbreaking €13.5 billion ($15.6 billion) initiative to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, which will link the island of Sicily with the Calabrian region at the southern tip of the Italian peninsula. The proposed bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes, as it will be built in a notoriously seismic zone in the Mediterranean region.
This marks yet another attempt by Italian authorities to revive the long-discussed Messina Bridge project, which has faced multiple setbacks in the past due to concerns about funding, environmental implications, safety risks, and potential interference from organized crime groups. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the endeavor but emphasized its importance as an investment in Italy’s future, stating, "We embrace difficult challenges that are worthwhile."
As per the finalized plan, the bridge will span 3.3 kilometers (approximately 2.05 miles) and connect two towers that stand at 400 meters tall (around 1,300 feet). The structure will feature two railway lines and three lanes of traffic on each side. In a strategic move, the Italian government hopes to categorize the bridge as a military expense to align with NATO’s defense spending goals, which require 5% of GDP to be allocated to defense.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, a significant ally of Meloni and head of the right-wing Lega party, welcomed this milestone, projecting that the bridge could be completed between 2032 and 2033. He also assured that the project would generate an estimated 120,000 jobs annually and help stimulate economic growth in two of Europe’s poorest regions—Sicily and Calabria.
However, to advance further, the project must be approved by the Italian Court of Auditors and environmental agencies at both national and EU levels. Local residents potentially affected by property expropriation will need to be consulted, and they could legally contest the decision, risking delays or halts in construction.
Historically, the bridge project has encountered multiple hurdles since its inception over 50 years ago, leading to intense opposition. Concerns have been raised about the risk of misuse of taxpayer funds as a result of mafia influence, which is deeply rooted in southern Italian politics and society. On the day of the announcement, local politicians voiced their dismay, with Senator Nicola Irto of the Democratic Party labeling the project "controversial and divisive." He argued it could misallocate essential resources away from local infrastructure enhancements, public transportation, educational facilities, and healthcare advancements.
Additionally, Giusy Caminiti, the mayor of Villa San Giovanni where the bridge is planned, expressed that her community would incur adverse effects and pressed for an extended consultation period. Grassroots groups like "No to the Bridge" decried the decision, indicating it emerged from political motivations rather than a comprehensive technical assessment. Critics also pointed to concerns related to water consumption during construction, given the ongoing water scarcity faced by both regions.
Currently, the only alternative means for train crossings across the Strait involves transporting train coaches via ferry, requiring a 30-minute journey over water.
