Italians Protest Project To Build World’s Longest Single-Span Bridge 

Thousands of Italians protested this week against the government’s plan to build the world’s longest single-span bridge that would link the mainland with the island of Sicily, an ambitious project and the idea of which dates back to the Roman Empire, Al Jazeera reported. 

On Saturday, around 10,000 people took to the streets of the Sicilian city of Messina, chanting “The Strait of Messina can’t be touched,” while holding banners saying “No Ponte” (No Bridge). 

The demonstrations came days after the administration of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave the final approval for the $15.7 billion infrastructure project. The 2.3-mile-long bridge, which has been the subject of decades of debate, will consist of roads and railways that will connect the southern Calabrian region with Sicily, as well as cut the time to cross the strait by ferry – usually more than an hour – to 10 minutes by car. 

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed it as “the biggest infrastructure project in the West” and said it could create up to 120,000 jobs annually.  

The government is also considering classifying the bridge as defense-related infrastructure. Officials noted that it would act as part of a strategic corridor for rapid troop and equipment movement and help Italy meet NATO’s five percent gross domestic product defense spending goal. 

Supporters believe the bridge will boost the underdeveloped southern Italian economy and create work for the young.  

However, critics and many families living in the region oppose the plan, citing the destruction of the local landscape, the threat of earthquakes, and the disruption to the lives of nearby residents. 

Opponents said around 500 families would have to be moved for the bridge to be built, while others warned of mafia involvement in the ambitious project, Reuters added. 

Meanwhile, environmental groups have filed complaints with the European Union over potential harm to migratory birds and sensitive habitats. 

Salvini and other officials said the families will be compensated generously, adding that the bridge will be designed to withstand strong earthquakes and avoid active fault lines. 

Authorities have pledged strong safeguards to keep mafia organizations, such as Cosa Nostra and ’Ndrangheta, from infiltrating the project.  

Preliminary works could begin this fall, pending a Court of Audit approval. Full construction is planned to start in 2026, with completion between 2032 and 2033.