Italy’s government has officially approved a €13.5 billion plan to build a 3.7 km single span suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, linking Sicily with mainland Calabria. . This would become the longest single span bridge in the world, with a central suspended span of approximately 3.3 km. . Upon completion, expected between 2032 and 2033, the bridge will carry six road lanes, two rail tracks, and can handle up to 6,000 cars per hour and 200 trains daily.

A consortium led by Webuild (formerly Impregilo), along with Spain’s Sacyr and Japan’s IHI, will construct the bridge. . Preliminary work including geological and archaeological surveys is slated to begin in late 2025, with full construction potentially starting around September October. . The roadmap targets a 10 year construction period.

Economic Uplift: Expected to create over 100,000 jobs annually and stimulate infrastructure linked growth in southern Italy. . Geopolitical Strategy: Classified as strategic infrastructure to meet Italy’s NATO driven goal to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP and allocated 1.5% for infrastructure. The bridge could enhance military mobility in the Mediterranean. . Engineering Confidence: Webuild asserts it has the technology and expertise to build safely even in seismic zones citing examples like Japan’s Akashi Kaikyō Bridge and Turkey’s Çanakkale Bridge.

Environmental and Technical Risks: Concerns include seismic threats, wind stress, disruption to migratory birds, and impact on a marine protected area. . Criminal Influence: Fears of mafia infiltration led to added oversight measures. . Social Disruption: Around 4,000 residents could be displaced due to expropriations. . Public Resistance: Protests have mobilized thousands in Messina, demanding the plan be scrapped. Formal complaints have also been filed with the EU. . Questionable Return on Investment: A study by Unimpresa indicates that 30 years post completion, the bridge’s net operating profit may reach just €3 billion less than a quarter of the total cost, raising concerns over financial viability.