Latest news with #StraitofMessinaBridgeProject
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Italy gives final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge project
6 Aug 2025 19:36 MESSINA/ROME (REUTERS)Italy's government gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland, despite environmental, financial and other concerns that have delayed it for 3.7-kilometre (2.3-mile) structure, set to break the record currently held by Turkiye's Canakkale Bridge across the Dardanelles, has been under discussion since at least the late 1960s as a tool to develop Italy's southern government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($15.63 billion) over the next 10 years to build it and surrounding Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) gave its green light to the project during a meeting in Rome, paving the way for the start of construction work."It is not an easy task but we consider it an investment in Italy's present and future, and we like difficult challenges when they make sense", Meloni said at the meeting, her office bridge to Sicily, which has a population of 4.7 million, should be ready in 2032, the Messina Strait Company bridge has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection will provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's southern regions. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company, Webuild , leads the consortium, which includes Spanish group Sacyr and Japan's IHI.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Italy gives final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge
Italy's government has given final approval to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland. Construction for the 3.7km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, overseeing the project, Wednesday's approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. The company said the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government has given final approval to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland. Construction for the 3.7km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, overseeing the project, Wednesday's approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. The company said the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government has given final approval to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland. Construction for the 3.7km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, overseeing the project, Wednesday's approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. The company said the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government has given final approval to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland. Construction for the 3.7km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, overseeing the project, Wednesday's approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. The company said the bridge will be completed in 2032.
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Italy gives final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge project
Italy's government gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland, despite environmental, financial and other concerns that have delayed it for decades. The 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) structure has been under discussion since at least the late 1960s as a tool to develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($15.63 billion) over the next 10 years to build it and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) gave the final approval to the project at a meeting in Rome, the League party of Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032. The project has faced stiff opposition from those who question the wisdom of building such a bridge in an earthquake zone. Many also fear cost overruns, possible environmental damage and mafia infiltration in construction contracts. Some citizens' groups opposed to the bridge say it is unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious risks for the local environment. Yet the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing will provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company, Webuild, leads the consortium, which also includes Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, Wednesday's approval will allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorized. Last week, Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. Webuild has active construction projects worldwide including Saudi Arabia's giant NEOM project. Sacyr participated in the Panama Canal expansion, and IHI has been involved in the Akashi suspension bridge in Japan and the Osman Gazi suspension bridge in Turkey. Webuild has estimated that the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Italy to give final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge project
ROME, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Italy's government was set on Wednesday to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions. Construction for the 3.6-km (2.2-miles) bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($15.63 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet at 1230 pm (1030 GMT). Matteo Salvini, the leader of the ruling League Party and Infrastructure Minister, has announced that he will hold a press conference afterwards, before travelling to the site of the bridge's construction. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild ( opens new tab leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr ( opens new tab and Japanese group IHI (7013.T), opens new tab as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money and harmful to the landscape, amid fears that the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has active construction projects worldwide including Saudi Arabia's NEOM gigaproject. Sacyr participated in the Panama Canal expansion, and IHI has been involved in the Akashi suspension bridge in Japan and the Osman Gazi suspension bridge in Turkey. Webuild has estimated that the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032. Two years ago, Webuild appointed Gianni De Gennaro, a former head of the Italian police and undersecretary of state for intelligence and security services, as president of Eurolink. ($1 = 0.8639 euros)
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Italy to give final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge
Italy's government is set to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions. Construction for the 3.6km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government is set to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions. Construction for the 3.6km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government is set to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions. Construction for the 3.6km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032. Italy's government is set to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions. Construction for the 3.6km bridge, projected to be one of the longest in the world, has been talked about since the late 1960s to help develop the impoverished south of Italy. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($A24.09 billion) over the next 10 years for the bridge and surrounding facilities. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) is due to meet later on Wednesday. The Strait of Messina Bridge Project was awarded to the Eurolink consortium following an international tender. Italy's largest construction company Webuild leads the consortium, which also has Spanish group Sacyr and Japanese group IHI as its members. According to the Messina Strait Company overseeing the project, the government committee approval would allow the start of preliminary works, including archaeological and geological surveys. Land expropriations will also be authorised. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that validation by the national audit court would be required before the CIPESS resolution could take effect. A source close to the matter said this could take a few weeks. The bridge has drawn fierce criticism from those who question the wisdom of building it in an earthquake zone and those who say it would be a waste of money, amid fears the Cosa Nostra and 'Ndrangheta criminal gangs based in the area could infiltrate the works to reap huge profits. Some citizens' groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. Yet, the bridge also has strong support from those who believe a fast rail and road connection as an alternative to the current ferry crossing would provide a much-needed boost to Sicily and the rest of Italy's poorer southern regions. Webuild has estimated the construction could create more than 100,000 jobs. According to the Messina Strait Company, the bridge will be completed in 2032.
