Messina Bridge will be 'Italian pride in world' says Salvini

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 24 - A projected bridge across the Messina Strait linking Sicily to mainland Italy will be "the pride of Italians in the world," Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini told the Senate as it discussed the decree setting up the long-awaited and often put off scheme for what would be the world's longest suspension bridge Wednesday.
    Stressing that the ambitious project would create 100,000 jobs and would "give meaning to all the other investments", Salvini said that on this and other issues, "the Italians have chosen a can-do government".
    For those still doubting whether it can finally be achieved after years of on-off-on plans, the rightwing League party leader referred his colleagues to President Sergio Mattarella, saying "for doubts and remarks, turn to (Mattarella) who has all the elements of guarantee and superiority and who can decide what can be done and what cannot be done".
    The government decree on the bridge is expected to get final approval in the Senate shortly.
    Salvini has said that he hopes the bridge will be operational by the end of 2032.
    The project to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina has been considered by many previous governments but has never moved beyond the planning stage due to environmental, seismic and mafia infiltration concerns and the massive price tag.
    Premier Giorgia Meloni's government, however, approved the decree paving the way for construction in March.
    Transport and Infrastructure Undersecretary Edoardo Rixi has said that the government estimates that the bridge will cost 13.5 billion euros.
    He told a joint session of the Lower House's transport and environment committees that this was up from a forecast of 8.5 billion in 2011 regarding the same project. (ANSA).