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Italy Clears Way for Preliminary Work on World’s Longest Suspension Bridge

Preliminary surveys along the Strait of Messina will start after Italy’s audit court gives final sign-off on the €13.5 billion project.

A general view shows the Strait of Messina, Italy, August 5, 2025. The area is part of the planned site for a suspension bridge connecting Sicily to mainland Italy, with construction expected to begin in the second half of 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
A general view shows the Strait of Messina, Italy, August 5, 2025. The area is part of the planned site for a suspension bridge connecting Sicily to mainland Italy, with construction expected to begin in the second half of 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
Artist rendering of what will be the world's longest suspension bridge connecting the island of Sicily to the mainland. CREDIT TO Webuild / Eurolink Image Library

Overview

  • CIPESS approval authorises archaeological and geological surveys along the strait and enables land expropriations ahead of main construction slated for late 2025.
  • The Eurolink consortium led by Webuild will erect a 3.3 km single-span suspension bridge featuring two 400 m towers, six traffic lanes and two railway lines.
  • Rome plans to classify the bridge as defence infrastructure so its cost counts toward NATO’s 5 percent GDP military spending target under the 1.5 percent strategic infrastructure allowance.
  • Officials say the €13.5 billion scheme could create over 100,000 jobs and accelerate economic growth in Sicily and Calabria.
  • Environmental groups have filed EU complaints over seismic and habitat risks, and the project will follow anti-mafia protocols used at Expo 2015 and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.