Title: The Strait of Messina Bridge: A Leap Forward in Italian Infrastructure?
The Italian government's recent approval to construct the world's longest single-span suspension bridge has sparked both excitement and skepticism among experts, politicians, and citizens alike. With a projected cost of 13.5 billion euros ($15.7 billion), this ambitious project aims to connect Sicily to the mainland over a 2-mile stretch in an area known for its seismic activity.
The Strait of Messina Bridge has been a dream since it was first approved by the Italian government back in 1971, but it faced numerous cancellations and delays due to concerns about funding and practicality. However, after being revised in 2022, construction is now scheduled to begin in May 2026 and end in 2032.
Despite the challenges posed by seismic activity, there are precedents for successful bridges built in earthquake-prone countries like Japan (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge) and Turkey (Çanakkale Bridge). According to Lamya Amleh, a structural engineering researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University, "The risk doesn't go away, but it can be managed. It just needs to be taken seriously throughout the design and construction process."
This ambitious project not only signifies Italy's commitment to improving its infrastructure but also demonstrates their confidence in Italian industry capabilities. As Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild (one of the companies behind the construction), said: "The decision made by [the Italian planning committee] CIPESS to approve the Strait of Messina Bridge project marks the start of a new season of vision, courage and confidence in the capabilities of Italian industry and the entire infrastructure sector."
In conclusion, while there are undoubtedly challenges ahead for this monumental undertaking, it represents an exciting leap forward in Italian infrastructure development. With careful planning, design, and execution, the Strait of Messina Bridge could become a reality that will not only improve transportation between Sicily and mainland Italy but also serve as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience against nature's challenges.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/09/nx-s1-5495666/messina-bridge-sicily-italy) #italy
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