Italy constructs the globe's longest suspension bridges - Italy erects the globe's longest suspension bridge, constructing it under shadowy conditions
The Italian government's ambitious plan to construct the world's longest suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, expected to be completed by 2032, holds significant economic and environmental implications.
Economically, the bridge, estimated to cost €6.1 billion, aims to enhance connectivity between Sicily and the Italian mainland, as part of the Berlin–Palermo railway axis within the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T). This infrastructure could boost trade, transport, and regional economic integration, potentially stimulating local economies and reducing travel times. The project's strategic economic importance is underscored by previous government funding pledges.
However, the bridge raises concerns about its environmental impact. Key issues include the risk of disrupting bird migration routes, potential ecological disturbances due to construction in a marine environment with strong currents, concerns about earthquake safety due to the seismically active region, and broader environmental disruptions inherent to a large-scale construction project in a sensitive area.
There have been social and governance concerns as well, such as the risk of mafia infiltration into the construction process, which could complicate both economic management and environmental safeguards.
In March 2023, the Italian government approved the construction of the bridge, citing the presence of a NATO base on Sicily as a justification. The bridge will accommodate both railway and road traffic and will span between two towers that are 400 meters high. Despite high debt, Italy has committed to increasing its defense spending to five percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), and 1.5 percentage points of this increased spending can be spent on "defense-relevant" areas such as cybersecurity and infrastructure.
The bridge, when completed, will be the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a length of 3,300 meters. The bridge construction is now being funded under Italy's defense budget.
While the bridge promises considerable economic benefits through improved transport infrastructure and regional integration, it also necessitates careful environmental and social risk management due to the sensitive ecological setting and seismic vulnerability of the Strait of Messina area. There are ongoing protests against the bridge, with critics raising concerns about the environment and suggesting that the money could be better spent elsewhere. However, the bridge is expected to bring economic growth and job opportunities to Sicily and Calabria.
References: 1. Source for the detailed information about the bridge, its implications, and concerns
The Commission, assisted by the European Parliament, might scrutinize the environmental impacts of the bridge, given the concerns about ecological disturbances, bird migration routes, and seismic vulnerability. The integration of advanced technology in the construction process could potentially mitigate some environmental concerns while ensuring a safe and sustainable bridge.
