Italy has given final approval to a long-delayed plan to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the mainland to Sicily in a project worth €13.5bn ($15.5bn). Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the Strait of Messina Bridge as “the biggest infrastructure project in the West” after a key government committee cleared the path on Wednesday.
The bridge, which will span 3.3km and carry six lanes of traffic and two railway lines, is expected to cut the current 100-minute ferry crossing to just 10 minutes by car. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the bridge would become “an engineering symbol of global significance.” The project is expected to generate 120,000 jobs annually and revitalize southern Italy through wider investment in infrastructure.
The project, first proposed in 1969, has stalled repeatedly due to environmental objections, mafia fears, and seismic risks. The design is inspired by Turkey’s Canakkale structure, featuring a wing-shaped deck meant to improve stability in high winds. Webuild, the company awarded the contract, says its design will withstand earthquakes, pointing to similar bridges in Japan and California.
Rome says the bridge could help it meet NATO’s defence spending goals by classifying it as “dual-use” infrastructure, a designation that has caused controversy. More than 600 academics warned that such a move would require further military safety assessments and could make the bridge a potential target. Salvini said it was up to the defence and economy ministries to decide, but insisted “keeping organised crime out of the project is the top priority.”
Environmental groups have raised complaints with the European Union, warning of potential disruption to migratory birds and a lack of proof that the project meets public interest thresholds. Despite these concerns, the Italian government remains committed to the project, with Salvini estimating that the bridge could be completed by 2033.
Webuild CEO Pietro Salini said, “The bridge will be transformative for the whole country.” The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region, generating jobs and stimulating economic growth. As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.