The Italian government has taken a major step forward in the long-awaited Strait of Messina bridge project. A new programme agreement was signed at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Mit) outlining technical and financial commitments for the construction.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini, Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, Sicilian President Renato Schifani, and Calabria President Roberto Occhiuto. Also signing were Pietro Ciucci (CEO of Stretto di Messina), Aldo Isi (CEO of Italian Rail Network), and Claudio Gemme (CEO of Anas). Undersecretary Alessandro Morelli attended.
The agreement defines the roles of all parties involved in building and managing the bridge and its related infrastructure. It focuses on coordination between the Italian Rail Network and Anas to ensure synchronised and efficient construction.
Stretto di Messina CEO Pietro Ciucci described the deal as a key step ahead of expected approval from CIPESS, the interministerial economic planning body. “The agreement ensures clarity on each party’s commitments and helps optimise timelines,” he said. “This bridge is vital for Italy’s road and rail networks.”
Among the agreed works:
- Anas will transfer the disused Villa San Giovanni East Service Area to Stretto di Messina.
- Stretto di Messina will relocate the Villa San Giovanni West Service Area.
- The East Area will remain operational through new design solutions.
- A new motorway crossing between the two areas will be built to support site access.
The Messina bridge project aims to create a fixed transport link between Sicily and Calabria, improving mobility across southern Italy.
