Huge update in plan for world’s longest suspension bridge 2,000yrs in the making that’ll turn Romans’ dream into reality

ITALY is on track to accomplish an extraordinary engineering achievement with the development of the world’s longest suspension bridge, a vision that has persisted for more than 2,000 years.

The ambitious project plans to connect Sicily to mainland Italy by the early 2030s, with construction sites expected to open by the end of this year.

Italy is set to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the country's mainland
Italy is set to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the country’s mainlandCredit: WeBuild
The Messina Strait Bridge will become the world's longest suspension bridge, spanning 2.2 miles
The Messina Strait Bridge will become the world’s longest suspension bridge, spanning 2.2 milesCredit: WeBuild
It will feature three vehicle lanes in each direction plus railway lines
It will feature three vehicle lanes in each direction plus railway linesCredit: WeBuild

Upon completion, the bridge will extend 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles), exceeding the length of Turkey’s Çanakkale Bridge to become the longest single-span suspension bridge globally.

The overall price tag for this massive endeavor is projected to reach a staggering £12 billion (€13.5 billion), and the European Union has agreed to cover half of the executive design expenses for rail infrastructure, which amounts to approximately £20 million.

The Italian government has vowed to manage costs carefully, including a safeguard clause that allows the cancellation of works if expenses exceed forecasts by 50 per cent.

The idea of linking Sicily to the Italian mainland dates back to ancient Rome, when Consul Metellus supposedly connected barrels and boats to transport war elephants across the strait in 252 BCE.

Since then, various attempts have been proposed but stalled, including recent efforts in 2009, which were abandoned in 2013.

Now, under the leadership of Italy’s right-wing government and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini, the plan is back on track.

“The bridge will bring work, wealth, beauty, and will save tons of CO2 in the air, making it one of the greenest bridges in the world,” Salvini said.

The government has also emphasized the bridge’s potential to reduce Mafia influence in the region by creating jobs and economic opportunities.

Ultra-thin skyscraper taller than The Shard & ONE flat wide to loom over iconic city…& what’s inside is more incredible

But the Strait of Messina — linking the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas — poses significant engineering and environmental challenges.

Known for its strong currents and seismic activity, the area was the site of a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake in 1908, which killed over 100,000 people.

Despite this, the proposed design claims to withstand earthquakes up to 7.5 magnitude and winds of 300 km/h (186 mph).

The bridge will feature three vehicle lanes in each direction, as well as railway lines to boost transport efficiency.

Officials estimate the project will create over 100,000 jobs and significantly ease congestion on the region’s busy ferry systems.

Panoramic view of the Strait of Messina, in the place planned for the construction of the bridge
Panoramic view of the Strait of Messina, in the place planned for the construction of the bridgeCredit: Getty
The proposed design promises to withstand earthquakes and gale force winds
The proposed design promises to withstand earthquakes and gale force windsCredit: WeBuild
Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, shows the model of the bridge project over the Strait of Messina
Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, shows the model of the bridge project over the Strait of MessinaCredit: Rex

Cargo arriving in Sicily could also be transferred directly to trains, potentially speeding up trade routes between southern Italy and northern Europe.

While the road to Sicily remains a symbolic bridge for now, the current government insists this project will lay “the first stone” in turning a Roman dream into reality.

“The transshipment of ferries costs more each year than building the bridge,” Salvini claims, pointing to the long-term economic benefits.

If construction proceeds as planned, the Strait of Messina bridge could be operational by 2032, transforming connectivity and realising a vision that has endured through centuries of dreams and delays.

What are the world’s longest suspension bridges?

AS of December 2024, the five longest suspension bridges in the world, ranked by the length of their main spans, are:

  1. 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, Turkey: With a main span of 2,023 meters (6,637 feet), this bridge crosses the Dardanelles Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. It opened to traffic in March 2022.
  2. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan: Also known as the Pearl Bridge, it has a main span of 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) and connects Kobe on the mainland to Awaji Island. It held the record for the longest suspension bridge from its opening in 1998 until 2022.
  3. Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge, China: Located in Wuhan, this bridge features a main span of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) and is notable for having the world’s longest double-deck bridge span. It opened in October 2019.
  4. Xihoumen Bridge, China: With a main span of 1,650 meters (5,413 feet), this bridge connects Jintang and Cezi islands in Zhejiang Province. It opened to traffic in 2009.
  5. Great Belt Bridge (East Bridge), Denmark: Spanning 1,624 meters (5,328 feet), this bridge connects the islands of Zealand and Funen. It was completed in 1998.
You May Also Like

My journey from choosing alcohol over having children for 23 years to getting sober at 40. Meeting someone made me realize what I had missed, but a tragic event dashed my hopes of becoming a mother.

I drank for 23 long years but I knew nothing about addiction. …

Funeral home employee arrested for conducting experiments on corpses and photographing dismembered limbs

A FUNERAL home worker has been arrested for allegedly experimenting on corpses…

US cardinal involved in Catholic child abuse scandal receives honor of closing Pope Francis’s coffin

AN AMERICAN cardinal who was disgraced for his role in covering up…

A prophet who foresaw Trump’s shooting makes a terrifying prediction about the Pope that could bring catastrophe to mankind

A self-proclaimed prophet who predicted the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has revealed…

Gunman with rifle shoots three people at car dealership in Miami-Dade

At least three people were shot after a gunman stormed a Florida…

“Murder Suspect Caysen Allison Alleges Warning Texas Teen Before Fatal School Bathroom Stabbing”

Two additional pieces of evidence have been introduced in the trial related…

Controversy Erupts on Race Across The World as Viewers Point Out Major Advantage for One Team and Notice Several Mistakes in BBC Debut

The latest season of Race Across The World has just started, and…

“Trump Encourages Fans to ‘Rewrite the Rules’ by Selling ‘Trump 2028’ Hat, Insists He’s ‘Not Joking’ About Potential 3rd Term”

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has made a sly nod at a third presidential…

Exploring Shannon Sharpe’s Net Worth in 2025: A Deep Dive into His Career and Personal Life

Shannon Sharpe, a true legend in the NFL and a familiar name…

“Get to Know YouTuber and Celebrity Treasures Star Niko Omilana and His London Mayoral Election Run”

YOUTUBER Niko Omilana rocketed to fame with his viral prank videos –…

Interpreter with a Growly Voice at Ed Miliband’s Global Energy Event Resembles Spaghetti Western Bandido

Well that was a bit of a diplomatic floater. Ed Miliband’s global…

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez argue over the division of their $68 million shared property, which has been unsold for almost a year.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez appear to have conflicting views on the…