Italy commits €13.5 billion to build long-awaited bridge to Sicily
- The Italian government is set to green-light the much-anticipated construction of a bridge over the Strait of Messina.
- The project will be funded with €13.5 billion allocated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to ensure its progress.
- The bridge aims to enhance connectivity between Calabria and Messina, with completion expected by 2032.
Italy has long envisioned a construction project that would connect the mainland to Sicily with a bridge over the Strait of Messina. Recently, the Italian government has set aside €13.5 billion to finally commence construction on this ambitious endeavor. The plan entails building a suspension bridge that will span 2.2 miles, linking the coastal region of Calabria in mainland Italy to the Sicilian city of Messina. This project has been under discussion since Roman times, yet it has faced numerous delays and concerns over feasibility and funding. Following the affirmation of funding, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the allocation through the 2025 Budget Law, ensuring that the project's financial needs are fully addressed. This ambitious structure is intended to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and foster economic growth between the two regions. The building contract is set to be managed by the Italian company Webuild, while oversight will be handled by the newly formed Messina Strait company, which has been commissioned to execute and monitor the construction phase. Recently, final designs and contract documents for the bridge have received approval from the board of directors, signaling a significant step towards the much-anticipated construction. Moreover, a discussion among members of an economic planning committee is expected to take place by August 7, which will potentially initiate preliminary land expropriations, utility diversions, and necessary geological surveys. The bridge is designed to accommodate a maximum capacity of 200 trains daily alongside 6,000 vehicles each hour. With a projected completion date set for 2032, the construction of this lengthy bridge could revolutionize transport between the mainland and the island, fostering greater unity and cooperation. Although construction will be an engineering feat, it has also brought forth concerns from various stakeholders regarding the environmental impact and costs associated with such a monumental project.