Italy's newest landmark

The world's longest suspension bridge is coming to Sicily

Italy has given the final approval for the construction of what will be the world's longest suspension bridge. The landmark will connect the towns of Messina and Taormina in Sicily and is expected to become a major tourist attraction. The bridge, named the Strait of Messina Bridge, will be suspended approximately 190 meters above the sea and span a distance of 3.5 kilometers. It will provide a much-needed upgrade to the local infrastructure and is predicted to boost the tourism industry in the region. The project is slated to cost around €3 billion and will be funded through a combination of Italian government bonds and private investment. The construction is planned to begin at the end of 2023 and will take approximately six years to complete.

The project's background

The idea of constructing a bridge over the Strait of Messina has been simmering for decades. In 1981, the Italian government began developing plans for a suspension bridge, but the project was shelved due to complications and environmental concerns. However, in the early 2000s, the proposal was revived as an attractive potential investment for private stakeholders. After several rounds of bureaucratic approvals, the project finally received the green light from the Italian Cabinet in February of this year. The final approval for construction to commence came yesterday from the Sicilian Regional Assembly.

What's next?

With the final approval given, the project developers can now proceed with the detailed design and initiate the procurement process for construction contractors. It is expected that a specialized consortium of international engineering firms will be hired for the ambitious project. The selection of the final contractor is anticipated to be a lengthy process, with a thorough evaluation of each bidder's qualifications and technical expertise. Upon completion, the Strait of Messina Bridge will surpass the length of the current longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan.

The impact on Sicily

The introduction of the world's longest suspension bridge will bring a mix of economic and cultural impacts on the island of Sicily. Alongside the anticipated increase in tourism, the bridge will also provide a much-needed improvement to the region's infrastructure, reducing travel times and offering a faster connection between the two towns. While there are concerns about the environmental impact of such a large project, the bridge is poised to become a defining landmark for the island, shaping Sicily's identity for generations to come.