Italy has finally approved a €13.5 billion project to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting mainland Italy with Sicily. The government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, is promoting the development as a key investment in Italy’s long-term development. It’s also estimated to stimulate economic growth and generate 120,000 jobs in Sicily and Calabria.
Meloni has admitted that the recent bridge project has been difficult. On 6 August, she stated that she thinks this is an “investment in Italy’s present and future.” “We enjoy difficult challenges when they make sense,” Meloni said.
Managed by Messina Strait and operated by Webuild, the bridge will span 3.3 kilometres. It will be held by two massive pillars, each reaching a height of 400 metres. “The project will be fitted with the most advanced technologies for safety and maintenance. It will also be built according to the highest international engineering standards. It will serve as an extraordinary opportunity for the future of young people,” said Pietro Salini, Chief Executive of Webuild.
The bridge’s deck will serve multiple functions. It will feature two railway lines in the centre to enable rail travel between Sicily and the mainland. Additionally, three traffic lanes on each side of the railway will accommodate motor vehicles. Construction is expected to wrap up between 2032 and 2033. Engineered to handle 200 trains per day and 6,000 vehicles per hour, the newly constructed bridge is set to significantly reduce travel time between mainland Italy and Sicily.
With the approval of the project, preliminary work such as land expropriations and geological surveys is expected to begin.
Previous proposals have reportedly gone through several cycles of approval and cancellation. Critics have also raised concerns over the project’s cost, its environmental consequences, and the potential involvement of organised crime. It still has to be approved by Italy’s Court of Auditors and multiple environmental authorities, both at the national and EU levels.
Likewise, local communities and political figures have also voiced opposition. Some residents fear expropriation, while others – such as the Democratic Party (PD) Senator Nicola Irto – believe that the funds would be better invested in public services such as healthcare and education. Giusy Caminiti, the mayor of Villa San Giovanni – the town slated to host the bridge – has reportedly requested additional time for public consultation.
Additionally, environmental organisations have voiced concern, highlighting that the bridge’s construction would demand millions of litres of water every day – a major issue in a region frequently affected by drought.
