Italy’s long-debated plan to build the Messina bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland will receive final approval on Wednesday, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed.
Speaking via video at an event in the Marche region, Salvini said: “The approval of the final project to start work on the bridge over the Strait of Messina will be given on Wednesday at 12:30.”
He described the decision as “historic,” noting that the idea of a bridge has been discussed since the time of the ancient Romans.
Largest Suspension Bridge in the World
The €13.5 billion project includes more than just the bridge. It will involve 40 kilometres of new road and rail infrastructure, three train stations, and a business centre in Calabria.
If approved as expected by CIPESS, Italy’s economic planning committee, work could begin soon. Pietro Salini, CEO of construction giant Webuild, which leads the consortium in charge of the project, recently said the bridge could be completed by 2032.
Once built, the Messina Bridge will become the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Political and Environmental Debate
The plan has long divided opinion in Italy. Backed by former premier Silvio Berlusconi during his time in office, the bridge was shelved for years due to cost concerns, environmental risks, and fears of mafia involvement.
Salvini revived the project after the centre-right coalition’s election victory in 2022, arguing it will boost economic growth and improve transport links in southern Italy.
But the project still faces opposition. In May, Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, wrote to the European Commission urging it to withdraw approval. The union cited technical, environmental, and legal issues, as well as concerns over the lack of adequate public consultation.
Stretto di Messina, the company overseeing the project, said last week its board had approved the final documents for submission to CIPESS. A programme agreement was signed by Salvini last month.
If the green light is given on Wednesday, it will mark the start of one of Italy’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades.
