ROME (AP) — 1000’s of individuals marched within the Sicilian metropolis of Messina on Saturday to protest a authorities plan to construct a bridge that may join the Italian mainland with Sicily in a large 13.5-billion-euro ($15.5 billion) infrastructure undertaking.
Protesters staunchly oppose the Strait of Messina Bridge undertaking over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impression and the specter of mafia interference.
The concept to construct a bridge to attach Sicily to the remainder of Italy has been debated on and off for many years however at all times delayed on account of these considerations. The undertaking, nevertheless, took a serious step ahead when a authorities committee overseeing strategic public investments accredited the plan this week.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the undertaking’s essential political backer, referred to as it “the most important infrastructure undertaking within the West.”
Salvini cited research estimating the undertaking would create as much as 120,000 jobs yearly and assist stimulate financial progress in economically lagging southern Italy, as billions extra are invested in surrounding street and infrastructure enhancements.
Opponents should not satisfied by these arguments. They’re additionally offended that about 500 households must be expropriated to ensure that the bridge to be constructed.
“The Strait of Messina can’t be touched,” protesters shouted as they marched in Messina. Many carried banners that stated “No Ponte” (No Bridge). Organizers estimated crowd measurement at 10,000 folks.
The proposed bridge would span almost 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles) with a suspended part of three.3 kilometers (greater than 2 miles). It might surpass Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge by 1,277 meters (4,189 toes) to turn out to be the longest suspension bridge on the earth.
Preliminary work may start as early as late September or early October, pending approval from Italy’s Court docket of Audit. Full building is scheduled to start in 2026, with completion focused between 2032 and 2033.
Plans for a bridge have been accredited and canceled a number of occasions because the Italian authorities first solicited proposals for one in 1969. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration revived the undertaking in 2023.
With three automotive lanes in every course flanked by a double-track railway, the bridge would have the capability to hold 6,000 automobiles an hour and 200 trains a day — lowering the time to cross the strait by ferry from as much as 100 minutes to 10 minutes by automotive. Trains would save 2/12 hours in transit time, Salvini stated.
The undertaking may additionally help Italy’s dedication to boost protection spending to five% of GDP focused by NATO, as the federal government has indicated it will classify the bridge as defense-related.
Italy argues that the bridge would type a strategic hall for speedy troop actions and tools deployment, qualifying it as “security-enhancing infrastructure.”
Environmental teams, nevertheless, have lodged complaints with the EU, citing considerations that the undertaking would impression migratory birds.
Italy’s president has additionally insisted that the undertaking stay topic to anti-mafia laws that applies to all large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Salvini pledged that conserving organized crime out of the undertaking was a prime precedence.
