Verdens lengste hengebru

The Messina Strait World's Longest Bridge is an ambitious infrastructure project in Italy, planned to connect the island of Sicily with the Italian mainland at Calabria. The project involves constructing a suspension bridge spanning approximately 3.3 to 3.6 kilometers, which will become the longest suspension bridge in the world. The design features include two 400-meter tall bridge towers and a main span of 3.3 kilometers, with the roadway and railway tracks integrated into the structure. The bridge deck will be situated around 74 to 76 meters above sea level to accommodate maritime traffic and withstand strong winds.

Godkjent. Bygging fra 2006

The Italian government, through the interdepartmental committee for economic planning and sustainability (CIPESS), has granted final approval for the construction. The project contract was initially awarded to the Italian construction company Salini Impregilo, now renamed WeBuild S.p.A, back in 2006. After a political shift that halted the project shortly afterward, it has since been revitalized under Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s leadership. WeBuild, which has extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects domestically and internationally, is leading the construction efforts toward completion estimated in 2032 or 2033.

Kostnad på 13,5 mrd. euro

The financial scope of the project is substantial, with current cost estimates ranging from approximately 11.25 billion euros initially to around 13.5 billion euros in later assessments, equivalent to nearly 160 billion Norwegian kroner. The bridge portion itself is estimated to cost about 4.5 billion euros, while additional expenses cover connecting infrastructure, bringing the total closer to the higher figure. This massive investment is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including creating around 120,000 annual jobs during the construction phase, thereby boosting local and national economies.

Forbedrer transport og sikkerhet

From a societal perspective, the Messina Strait Bridge aims to greatly improve connectivity between Sicily and mainland Italy by providing a fast and reliable transport link that supports both road vehicles and trains. This connection is anticipated to foster regional development, commerce, and mobility, effectively integrating Sicily more closely with the rest of Italy and the European continent. The Italian government is also working to classify the bridge as a defense asset within the NATO framework, linking it to national security considerations and potentially ensuring ongoing strategic investment.

Seismiske og sikkerhetsutfordringer

The project faces notable challenges and risks due to its complex engineering demands and location. The bridge site lies in a seismically active zone with a history of devastating earthquakes, including a catastrophic event in 1908 that caused significant loss of life. Additionally, the construction and operation face security threats from organized crime groups, particularly mafia-related interference in southern Italy. Engineering efforts must address these geological and security challenges to ensure the bridge’s long-term resilience and safety.

Miljø og bærekraft i fokus

Environmental considerations are integral to the project planning, with sustainability and minimizing ecological impact being key priorities during construction and operation. The bridge design and associated infrastructure aim to balance the need for a major transport link while protecting the surrounding marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Italian government and WeBuild have emphasized adherence to environmental regulations and sustainable development standards as the project advances.