Rome, Aug 07 (V7N) – After more than six decades of anticipation, Italy’s government has officially approved the construction of the world’s longest suspension bridge. The ambitious project will connect the southern Sicilian peninsula to mainland Italy across the Strait of Messina.

The approval came on Wednesday (August 6) under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, with an estimated cost of $13.5 billion.

Spanning 3.3 kilometers, the bridge will feature two 400-meter-tall towers on each side. It will accommodate three lanes for vehicles on each side along with two central railway lines, integrating road and rail transportation.

Designed to withstand the region’s frequent seismic activity, the bridge is set to be earthquake-resistant, addressing one of the major environmental concerns.

Italy has pursued this connection since the 1960s, but repeated delays have stalled progress due to high costs and environmental risks. With this approval, the long-awaited project is now poised to move forward.

END/RH/AJ