Italy has greenlit the commencement of a significant infrastructure project to connect the mainland with Sicily, a venture estimated to cost 13.5 billion euros and span nearly eight years if all goes as planned. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the Strait of Messina Bridge as a monumental undertaking, dubbing it as the largest infrastructure project in the Western world, with a price tag equivalent to $21.6 billion Canadian dollars.
The proposal for a bridge linking Sicily to Calabria has seen its fair share of ups and downs over several decades, with a colorful history that has sparked strong reactions on both sides of the debate, earning it the moniker “The Bridge That Divides Italy” by the Atlantic magazine in 2023.
The dream of constructing such a bridge has been long-held by Italians, particularly the burgeoning population in Sicily. The project has witnessed various attempts over the years, including involvement from prominent figures such as underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
The current initiative, revived by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration in 2023, follows previous unsuccessful attempts during Berlusconi’s tenure, which faced opposition and financial challenges. Salvini, emphasizing the importance of keeping organized crime at bay, pledged to implement stringent protocols akin to those used for major events like the Expo 2015 World Fair and the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The ambitious plan for the Strait of Messina Bridge entails a length of nearly 3.7 kilometers, with a suspended span extending 3.3 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the world. The project has been entrusted to a consortium led by WeBuild, with towers on both sides constructed from highly durable steel. Despite concerns raised by environmental groups regarding potential impacts on migratory birds and seismic risks, WeBuild has reassured that suspension bridges are now more resilient to seismic forces.
Italy has positioned the bridge as a defense-related project, citing its strategic value in facilitating rapid troop movements and equipment deployment to NATO’s southern regions. However, critics have expressed reservations, highlighting the need for additional assessments to ensure the bridge’s suitability for military purposes and its potential vulnerability as a target.
The development of the Strait of Messina Bridge is projected to create a significant number of jobs annually and drive economic growth in southern Italy, paving the way for further investments in infrastructure development in the region.