Italy is going to build a bridge between Sicily and the mainland. The plan for the 3.6 kilometer long rail and road bridge was approved by a technical committee on Wednesday.
To build the bridge, the Italian government has reserved 13.5 billion euros. The construction will take about ten years. Not only cars will drive over the bridge, but also metros. More than 40 kilometers of road and rail connections are also planned to connect the infrastructure.
The so-called Strait of Messina project is therefore not a simple plan. The bridge has been discussed since 1960. The construction is not only exceptionally long, but must also be resistant to earthquakes and severe weather conditions. Also, shipping traffic must not be hindered.
After the Italian government agreed to the plan, a technical committee is also positive, Italian Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini reported on Wednesday. The minister tells la Repubblica that the bridge will be part of the solution to problems in Southern Italy. “Experts estimate that around 120,000 jobs per year will be created and that there are also major environmental benefits.”
Approval from the Court of Auditors is still needed. Salvini estimates that construction can begin in September or October. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also happy with the project. “We are doing this to create jobs and opportunities today (…) and to leave future generations a legacy: a better connected and more cohesive Italy.”