Construction of the seminal bridge project in Sicily, Italy, receives the green signal for final approval
Italy Gives Final Approval to Strait of Messina Bridge Project
After years of discussions and debates, the Italian government has given final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) made the decision on August 6, 2025, paving the way for preliminary works to begin later this summer.
The Strait of Messina Bridge Project, which is expected to cost €13.5 billion over the next 10 years, has been awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. The consortium is led by Webuild, a leading Italian construction company with active projects worldwide, including Saudi Arabia's NEOM gigaproject. Other members of the consortium include Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI, both of which have extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, will span 3.6 km (2.2 miles) and is anticipated to be completed by 2032 or 2033. Construction discussions for the bridge have been ongoing since the late 1960s, with many believing it will provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and Italy's poorer southern regions through a fast rail and road connection.
The Messina Strait Company predicts that the bridge will be completed in 2032. However, some sources suggest that the construction could be finished a year earlier. The project is expected to create over 100,000 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
However, the bridge project has drawn criticism from some citizens' groups and environmental associations, who claim it is unnecessary and poses serious environmental damage risks. Some have expressed concerns about the bridge being built in an earthquake zone, while others argue it is a waste of money and could potentially cause harm to the landscape.
The government committee approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys, as well as land expropriations. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the ruling League Party and Infrastructure Minister, will hold a press conference after the CIPESS meeting and travel to the site of the bridge's construction.
It is worth noting that the bridge project requires validation by the national audit court before the CIPESS resolution can take effect. This process could take a few weeks, but once completed, it will mark the start of a significant infrastructure project that will transform the region and boost the Italian economy.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 6). Italy gives final approval for Strait of Messina bridge project. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/06/italy-gives-final-approval-for-strait-of-messina-bridge-project
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 6). Italy's government approves Strait of Messina bridge project. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/italys-government-approves-strait-messina-bridge-project-2025-08-06/
The Strait of Messina Bridge Project, a venture worth €13.5 billion over the next 10 years, has attracted investors from various global finance and business sectors, such as Webuild, Sacyr, and IHI, all renowned for their large-scale infrastructure projects. This bridge, set to be one of the longest in the world, will invigorate the travel industry, particularly the business sector, by providing faster road and rail connections between Sicily and the mainland, potentially boosting the region's economy significantly.
