Italy has given the final approval to begin construction of the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge, linking the mainland to Sicily across the Strait of Messina.

The long-debated mega-project, valued at €13.5 billion, is set to span nearly four kilometres and eclipse Turkey’s 1915 Canakkale Bridge – which is a little over two kilometres in length – as the longest of its kind.

The Strait of Messina Bridge will feature six traffic lanes, two rail lines and emergency routes, all of which will be supported by twin, 399-metre-tall towers.

Italy’s government anticipates the undertaking to generate more than 100 000 jobs and stimulate development in the country’s underperforming southern regions. The bridge is expected to be completed by 2032.

Supporters, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, have hailed the bridge as a transformative project. Salvini has called it “the biggest infrastructure project in the West”, while Meloni framed it as an investment in her country’s future.

Yet, controversy surrounds the plan: environmental groups warn of threats to fragile ecosystems, while critics argue the funds could be better spent on helping local communities.

Concerns also linger over seismic risks, strong winds and potential mafia infiltration in contracts. Additionally, more than 400 nearby properties will need to be expropriated by the state, sparking legal disputes.

Despite these challenges, the Italian government remains determined. For centuries, the dream of a Messina crossing has fascinated rulers and engineers. Now, Italy appears closer than ever to realising its vision, though whether the plan will bridge the gap between dream and prosperity remains to be seen.

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