This year will mark the beginning of the construction of the world’s longest suspension bridge, according to the government in Rome. It will be an unparalleled challenge that the Italian state is determined to undertake at all costs.
The bridge that will connect the island of Sicily to mainland Italy will span the Strait of Messina over a distance of 3,300 meters. However, the construction must face the intense tectonic activity in this area.
The idea of connecting Sicily to mainland Italy is not a new one. The Roman Empire, King Charlemagne, and modern Italian governments have attempted, in different eras, to move beyond the planning phase, but the costs, time required, and challenges of such construction in an earthquake-prone area have led each attempt to be abandoned before work could begin, writes Newsweek.
This time, Italy’s leadership is determined to fulfill this dream of connecting Sicily to Europe at any cost. And it will be an extremely expensive dream.
How much will Italy’s grand bridge cost
The cabinet of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revived the concept, with Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini being the driving force behind the project of the bridge over the Strait of Messina.
The bridge’s design will spare no