Bridge of Messina
Project Overview
An immediate overview of the extraordinary infrastructure that will connect Sicily and Calabria. It summarizes the main data, technical features, costs, and timelines, along with information on benefits, complementary works, and project progress.
It condenses, in just a few lines, years of studies and design of a highly strategic project for Italy’s mobility, economy, and territorial cohesion.
HIGHLIGHT
Bridge of Messina
BRIDGE CROSSING TIMEFRAME
THE DEFINITIVE DESIGN
Bridge of Messina
The definitive design represents the pivotal stage in the realization process of the Bridge over the Strait of Messina — the moment when the project evolves from an engineering vision into a concrete operational plan.
With the CIPESS resolution of August 6, 2025, the connection officially obtained the declaration of public utility, an essential condition for launching the executive design and all preparatory activities.
This milestone consolidates a long process, built on years of feasibility studies, technical and environmental assessments, and construction analyses, which have defined in detail the project’s dimensions, costs, timelines, and construction methodologies.
The document confirms the strategic nature of the infrastructure, conceived to establish a stable integration between Sicily and Calabria, improve mobility between the two shores, and strengthen the economy of Southern Italy as a whole.
Thanks to this step, the bridge enters its operational phase on solid foundations — not only as a world-class engineering challenge, but also as a long-term, profitable investment capable of promoting competitiveness, employment, and territorial cohesion across Mediterranean and European transport corridors.
DEFINITIVE DESIGN
Bridge of Messina
The definitive design of the Bridge over the Strait of Messina, approved by the CIPESS resolution of August 6, 2025, defines the project’s dimensions, costs, and construction methods. The bridge features a single suspended span of 3,300 meters, six road lanes, and two railway tracks, with technical solutions specifically designed for a seismic and marine environment.
Objectives: to strengthen mobility, competitiveness, and cohesion between the two shores.
Summary Data
Parameter | Detail |
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Type | Single-span suspension bridge |
Main span length | 3,300 m |
Deck width | ≈ 60 m |
Tower height | ≈ 399 m |
Main cables | 4 (diameter ≈ 1.26 m) |
Hangers | > 500 (spacing ≈ 11 m) |
Road lanes | 6 (3 per direction) |
Railway tracks | 2 (central) |
Anchorage volume | ≈ 533,000 m³ |
Seismic resistance | Up to 7.5 Mw |
Wind resistance | > 300 km/h |
Estimated cost | €10.6 billion |
Construction period | 2025–2032 |
Design life | > 200 years |
Objectives and Benefits
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Continuous road and rail mobility between Sicily and the mainland.
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Shorter travel times; higher passenger and freight capacity.
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Strengthening of TEN-T corridors and Southern Italy’s logistics competitiveness.
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Job creation, economic growth, and increased tourism and investment.
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Reduction in maritime traffic and emissions; environmental mitigation measures.
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A new cultural and landscape landmark for the Mediterranean.
Progress Status
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2025/1 – Definitive project approved.
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2025/2 – Start of executive design and early works (access roads, base camps, clearance operations).
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2026–2027 – Tower and anchorage foundations; complementary works.
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2028–2029 – Tower erection; cable spinning; installation of hangers.
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2030–2031 – Deck assembly; SHM systems; finishing works.
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2032 – Static and dynamic testing.
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2033 – Bridge opening to traffic.
Official Documents
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CIPESS Resolution – August 6, 2025
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Program Agreement – July 16, 2025
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Technical and Environmental Reports (EIA)
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Official Communications – MIT / Stretto di Messina S.p.A.