Italy’s government has given final approval to a €13.5 billion ($15.6 billion) project to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the island of Sicily to the region of Calabria on the Italian mainland.
Gatekeepers News reports that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition hailed the project as an economic boost for the impoverished south.
“We enjoy difficult challenges when they make sense,” Meloni said, emphasizing the project’s potential to drive growth and create jobs.
The bridge will span 3.3 kilometers (2.05 miles) between two 400-meter (1,300 feet) high towers, with two railway lines and three lanes of traffic on either side.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini celebrated the milestone, saying the goal is to complete the bridge between 2032 and 2033.
He claimed the project would create 120,000 jobs a year and stimulate economic growth in the region. The regions of Sicily and Calabria are among the poorest in Europe.
However, the project still needs to be rubber-stamped by the Italian Court of Auditors and environmental agencies at national and EU levels. Local residents may also challenge the decision, potentially delaying the project.
Opponents argue that the bridge would divert resources from essential public services, such as local transportation, schools, and healthcare. Senator Nicola Irto of the Democratic Party called the project “controversial and divisive”.
Giusy Caminiti, mayor of Villa San Giovanni, expressed concerns about the impact on her town and urged more time for consultations.
The project has been decades in the making, with previous attempts scrapped due to concerns over cost, environmental damage, and potential mafia involvement.
Despite these challenges, the Italian government remains committed to the project, hoping to classify it as defense spending to meet NATO targets.
