World’s Longest Suspension Bridge Set to Transform Southern Italy

Plans for the Strait of Messina Bridge, set to become the world's longest suspension bridge, have cleared a major hurdle. Despite concerns about earthquakes, environment, and mafia, Italy's Transport Ministry has greenlit the $15.5 billion project. Set to start this summer, it aims to boost southern Italy's development.

A long-debated bridge that promises to connect the Italian mainland with Sicily has been given the green light, overcoming significant hurdles related to environmental concerns and potential mafia interference. The Transport Ministry announced the approval of the 13.5 billion euro project, which seeks to construct the world's longest suspension bridge.

This pivotal decision is seen as a victory for Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who touted the bridge as a developmental catalyst for southern Italy. Expected to commence later this summer, the project has faced numerous cancellations and revivals since its initial proposal in 1969, with its latest rejuvenation under Premier Giorgia Meloni's administration.

While supporters highlight the bridge's economic and strategic benefits, including its classification as part of Italy's defense infrastructure, critics, including environmental groups, caution against potential ecological impacts and security risks. Led by the Italian infrastructure group WeBuild, the project draws on successful past models and aims to address seismic concerns through advanced engineering.

(With inputs from agencies.)