Thousands of people marched in Messina, Sicily, on Saturday (9 August) protesting against a government plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge connecting the Italian mainland to Sicily.

The €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project, approved recently by a government committee overseeing strategic public investments, faces strong opposition due to concerns over its massive scale, earthquake risks, environmental impact, and potential mafia interference.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the project’s main supporter, called it “the biggest infrastructure project in the West,” citing studies that predict up to 120,000 annual jobs and economic growth for southern Italy, boosted by billions invested in related road and infrastructure upgrades. The bridge would span nearly 3.7 km (2.2 miles), with a suspended section of 3.3 km (over 2 miles), surpassing Çanakkale Bridge by 1,277 metres to become the longest suspension bridge worldwide.

Preliminary work could start as early as late September or October pending Italy’s Court of Audit approval, with full construction set for 2026 and completion aimed between 2032 and 2033. The bridge, featuring three lanes each way and a double-track railway, would cut ferry crossing times from up to 100 minutes to just 10 minutes by car, while trains would save about 2.5 hours.

The government also plans to classify the bridge as defence-related infrastructure, supporting Italy’s NATO goal to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP. The bridge would serve as a strategic corridor for rapid military movement and equipment deployment.

Opponents remain unconvinced, angered that around 500 families must be expropriated, despite Salvini’s promises of compensation.

Environmental groups have filed complaints with the European Union over threats to migratory birds, while Italy’s president insists on strict anti-mafia legislation for the project.

Protesters in Messina carried banners reading “No Ponte” (“No Bridge”), chanting that the Strait of Messina “can’t be touched.”

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