The Dream of a Bridge Connecting Sicily to Italy: A 2,000 Year Journey

The idea of building a bridge to connect Sicily and Italy has been around for more than 2,000 years. The first known plan dates back to the Roman Empire, but it was never realized due to the difficult geological and political conditions of the time. Throughout history, several attempts were made, but all failed due to natural disasters, wars, or lack of funding.

The dream of a bridge across the Strait of Messina was revived in the 20th century when Italy became a united country. In the 1960s, the Italian government launched a feasibility study and commissioned several projects, but they were all cancelled or postponed due to economic and social crises, corruption, and bureaucracy. However, the idea persisted, and in recent years, it gained new momentum thanks to technological improvements, environmental concerns, and regional development policies.

Italy’s Ambitious Plan to Build the World’s Longest Suspension Bridge Across the Strait of Messina

Italy’s current plan to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina is probably the most ambitious and controversial infrastructure project in the country’s recent history. The bridge would be a cable-stayed suspension bridge, 3.3 miles long, with two towers 1,500 feet high, and a clearance of about 220 feet above sea level. It would cost about €6.1 billion and take about 10 years to build.

The bridge would not only connect Sicily and Italy but also provide a new route for international trade, tourism, and energy transportation. It would also reduce the travel time between the two regions from several hours by ferry or plane to just a few minutes by car or train. However, the project has been criticized for its environmental impact, seismic risk, and social relevance. Moreover, it faces several technical, legal, and financial challenges that have delayed its start and raised doubts about its feasibility.

The Challenges of Building a Bridge in a Region Prone to Earthquakes and Mafia Influence

Building a bridge across the Strait of Messina is not only a matter of engineering and logistics but also a matter of politics and culture. The region where the bridge would be located is one of the most seismically active in Europe, with a history of earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Therefore, designing and constructing a safe and resilient bridge requires a deep understanding of the local geology and geophysics, as well as state-of-the-art technology and materials.

Moreover, the region is also known for its high criminality, especially the presence of the Mafia, which has infiltrated and corrupted many public and private institutions. The Mafia has been involved in several illegal activities related to construction, such as extortion, fraud, and collusion, which have led to poor-quality infrastructure, high costs, and social inequality. Therefore, building a bridge in this context requires a strong political will, a transparent and efficient governance system, and a collaboration between the state and the civil society.