Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 24, The Italian Government has granted final approval for the Messina Strait Bridge, a major infrastructure project designed to link Calabria in Southern Italy with the island of Sicily. With an estimated cost of €13.5 billion, the bridge will carry both road and rail connections, creating a permanent alternative to the current ferry service.

Italian Government approval has now been given for Italy’s Messina Strait bridge project

The design sets new global records, featuring the longest suspension bridge span ever constructed as well as the tallest support towers. Once completed, the bridge is expected to improve travel efficiency between the two regions and stimulate economic activity in both Sicily and Calabria. The new link is projected to significantly reduce travel times, strengthen regional connectivity, and provide long-term benefits for local communities and businesses.

Italian engineering group Webuild has been appointed to lead the construction of the project. Preparatory work is scheduled to begin in the near future, marking the first step toward one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings. The scale and complexity of the Messina Strait Bridge underline its importance not only for regional development but also as a symbol of modern engineering capability.

The bridge will serve as a key transport corridor, connecting Sicily more directly with the Italian mainland. By replacing ferry services with a fixed crossing, it is expected to provide more reliable access for both passenger and freight movement. Authorities anticipate that the bridge will support economic growth by enhancing trade flows, attracting investment, and improving mobility across Southern Italy.

The project’s significance extends beyond transport improvements. It is regarded as an infrastructure investment aimed at balancing regional development and contributing to broader growth objectives in the Italian economy. With Webuild overseeing the works, the focus will be on implementing advanced engineering solutions to ensure safety, durability, and efficiency throughout construction and operation.

The Messina Strait Bridge is set to become a landmark achievement, combining technical innovation with long-term regional benefits. Its approval marks the beginning of a transformative project expected to reshape connections between Sicily and the mainland, while providing an infrastructure model for future large-scale developments.