Italian Government Approves Plans for Long-Awaited Bridge to Sicily

Italy’s Council of Ministers has formally approved a €13.5 billion state-funded infrastructure project to construct what would be the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting mainland Italy to the island of Sicily across the Strait of Messina.

The announcement was made by a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who also serves as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. A ministerial committee has reportedly given final clearance for the long-discussed project, following decades of delays and revisions.

The planned bridge will feature a central suspended span of 3.3 kilometres (2.05 miles) supported by two towers reaching 400 metres (1,300 feet) in height—a structural design that would set a global record. It will accommodate three lanes of vehicular traffic in each direction alongside two central railway lines.

Slated for completion by 2032, the project has been touted by the government as a landmark in modern engineering, capable of withstanding seismic activity and high winds typical of the geologically active region. Proponents argue it will stimulate economic development and employment in two of Italy’s most economically disadvantaged regions—Sicily and Calabria. Deputy Prime Minister Salvini has pledged the project will generate tens of thousands of jobs.

However, the initiative has not been without controversy.

Environmental groups and local stakeholders have raised concerns over potential ecological disruption and the high public cost. Critics argue that the funds could be better allocated and express skepticism that the bridge will ever be completed, citing Italy’s track record of ambitious but unrealized public works.

The bridge proposal dates back more than half a century and has seen multiple iterations. In 2006, the Eurolink consortium—led by Italian construction firm Webuild—was awarded the original contract before it was scrapped in the wake of the eurozone debt crisis. Webuild remains the lead contractor under the current plan.

In a notable development, the government intends to classify the bridge expenditure as part of Italy’s national defence budget. In line with NATO commitments—reportedly under pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump—Italy has pledged to increase defence spending to 5 percent of GDP, with up to 1.5 percent permitted for infrastructure and cybersecurity. Officials argue the project meets these criteria, particularly given the strategic location of Sicily, which hosts a NATO base.