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.
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