Italy has taken a significant step towards constructing the world’s largest suspension bridge, aimed at connecting the mainland to Sicily, with an investment of €13.5 billion (approximately $24 billion). The approval from an interministerial committee on Wednesday allows the project to move forward, following a history of delays due to concerns over its immense scale, potential earthquake risks, environmental effects, and mafia involvement.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini expressed confidence at a press conference in Rome, stating that the Strait of Messina Bridge will be the most substantial infrastructure project in the Western world. He highlighted that the undertaking could generate approximately 120,000 annual jobs and stimulate growth in Italy’s economically struggling southern regions.
Preparatory work for the project is expected to commence as early as late September or early October, contingent upon the approval of Italy’s court of audit, with full construction set to begin next year. Despite past bureaucratic hurdles, Salvini anticipates completion between 2032 and 2033. The bridge’s vision dates back to 1969, with various approvals and cancellations since then.
The bridge is designed to span nearly 3.7 kilometres, featuring a suspended section of 3.3 kilometres, surpassing Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge as the longest in the world. It will include three car lanes in each direction and a double-track railway, aiming to facilitate the transportation of 6,000 vehicles and 200 trains daily, drastically reducing ferry travel time across the strait from 100 minutes to just 10 by car.
In a strategic move, the Italian government is planning to classify the bridge as a defence-related project, potentially aiding its commitment to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP as mandated by NATO. This designation is intended to enhance rapid military mobility along NATO’s southern front.
However, the project has garnered criticism. More than 600 professors and researchers opposed its classification for military use, expressing concerns over safety and vulnerability. Environmentalists have also raised alarms regarding impacts on migratory birds and the need for comprehensive environmental assessments.
Additionally, there have been assurances from Minister Salvini that measures against mafia involvement will be stringent, echoing protocols established during high-profile projects like the Expo 2015 and upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan.
The construction contract has been awarded to a consortium led by WeBuild, an Italian group previously involved before project cancellations. The innovative design will feature enhanced wind resistance, addressing concerns regarding seismic activity due to the nearby Messina fault.
WeBuild’s CEO, Pietro Salini, believes the bridge will act as a transformative asset for Italy, marking a new chapter in its ambitious infrastructure initiatives.