Italy approves the largest suspended bridge in the world: from Sicily to the continent

The bridge should generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the first works involve geological studies and expropriations.

The project has existed since the 1960s, but only now it has received definitive green light. Authorization was issued by Cipess (Interministerial Committee on Economic Planning and Sustainable Development).

The Eurolink International Consortium, led by Italian construction webuild, won the bidding. Also participating in the project companies with history in major works, such as Spanish Sacyr and Japanese IHI.

The government argues that the bridge will facilitate transport between the north and southern Italy. The structure It would diminish the dependence of ferries and boosting tourism, economy and logistics in the region – especially in Sicily, historically one of the poorest areas of the country.

Despite the government’s optimism, the project is criticized. Environmentalists and local groups point to a risk to the region’s marine biodiversity and filed formal complaints to the European Union.

There is also concern for seismic risks. The Messina Strait region is between two tectonic plates – and with the possibility of corruption or infiltration of the mafia in contracts.