Locals fight plans for Italy’s Sicily bridge that would be world’s longest
Why locals are fighting plans for the world’s longest bridge
- Italy has granted final approval for the construction of a bridge, set to be the world's longest single-span bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland.
- The 13.5 billion euro project, sanctioned by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, is expected to begin preliminary works in September-October and be completed by 2032.
- The undertaking faces significant opposition from residents, with over 440 properties requiring expropriation, and environmental groups who have filed a complaint with the EU, citing ecological and seismic risks.
- Opponents are preparing legal challenges, though experts suggest blocking the project will be difficult as public interest typically outweighs private concerns in such cases.
- Supporters argue the bridge will boost the regional economy, while authorities have pledged safeguards against mafia involvement and assured the bridge's resilience to earthquakes.