Italy has given final approval for a multibillion-euro bridge linking Sicily to the mainland, sparking controversy over environmental impact, mafia infiltration, and cost. The 3.7km-long bridge will take 10 years to build and is expected to create over 100,000 jobs.
The right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni has set aside €13.5bn for the project, which was first proposed by late former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in the late 1960s. The bridge will replace current ferry services that take around 30 minutes to cross the Strait of Messina.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the approval as a “metro over the strait” and said it would boost Italy’s economy. However, environmental associations have flagged serious risks for the local environment, while opposition MPs argue it is a “colossal waste of money”. A consortium led by Italy’s Webuild Group will build the bridge.
Construction is expected to begin in September or October, but the government must first validate the approval by the national audit court. The project comes with significant costs, including expropriating around 4,000 homes and dealing with high seismic risks in the area.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/06/italian-government-gives-final-approval-for-bridge-linking-sicily-to-mainland