Italy OKs $15.5B project to build suspension bridge from mainland to Sicily
14 days ago
- #engineering
- #infrastructure
- #Italy
- Italy approves a $15.5 billion project to build the world's longest suspension bridge connecting the mainland to Sicily.
- The Strait of Messina Bridge will span 3.7 km (2.2 miles), surpassing Turkey's Canakkale Bridge as the longest.
- Expected to create 120,000 jobs annually and boost economic growth in southern Italy.
- Construction is set to begin in 2024, with completion targeted between 2032-2033.
- The bridge will reduce crossing time from 100 minutes by ferry to 10 minutes by car.
- Italy may classify the bridge as defense-related to meet NATO spending targets, aiding rapid troop movements.
- Environmental and mafia concerns persist, with opposition from academics and environmental groups.
- Webuild, an Italian infrastructure group, leads the consortium for the project, leveraging prior engineering designs.