Historic Move: Italy’s longest suspension bridge approved to connect Sicily and mainland
Italy’s Longest Suspension Bridge Gets Final Approval for Sicily-Calabria Link
Italy’s longest suspension bridge is now officially moving forward. Rome has approved the long-awaited Messina Bridge project, worth €13.5 billion ($15.6 billion).This huge bridge will link the island of Sicily to the mainland’s Calabria area. When it’s finished, it will be the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a span of 3.3 kilometers between two 400-meter towers.
A Historic Project in a Seismic Zone
Engineers have been trying to figure out how to build things in the Messina Strait, which is quite seismically active, for decades. The bridge will be able to handle significant earthquakes, according to the designers. This is a big step forward for the infrastructure in southern Italy. The bridge will have six lanes for cars and two railway lines. It promises that transit over the strait will be faster and more dependable.
Italy’s Longest Suspension Bridge to Boost Jobs and Growth
Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Transport, is very much in favor of the proposal. He thinks it will bring in 120,000 new employment every year and help the local economy. Sicily and Calabria, two of Europe’s poorest areas, are likely to profit the most. Rome also wants to label the project as military spending. This would help NATO reach its aim of spending 5% of its GDP on defense.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it “an investment in Italy’s present and future.” She admitted the challenges but believes the long-term benefits are worth it.
Even while the government is backing them, detractors are nonetheless loud. Environmental groups are worried that the project will hurt the area. Some people think that public money might be utilized for the wrong things. Local activists also say that the bridge will use millions of liters of water every day, even though the area has a lot of droughts.
Senator Nicola Irto of the Democratic Party called the plan “divisive.” He argued that the funds should go to healthcare, education, and safer infrastructure. Giusy Caminiti, mayor of Villa San Giovanni, voiced concern about the impact on residents. She urged the government to hold more consultations.
What Comes Next
Environmental groups and the Italian Court of Auditors still need to provide their approval for the bridge. People who own property in the area may also be able to take the decision to court. These steps could make building take longer.
If all goes as planned, building should start soon. The government wants to finish the bridge between 2032 and 2033, making a dream come true after many years.
