The long-debated plan to build a bridge over the Strait of Messina has reached a pivotal moment—but numerous uncertainties remain. As of early August 2025, Italy’s CIFESS inter-ministerial committee granted approval for the definitive project, which comes with a price tag of 13.5 billion euros. The structure, designed as a single-span suspended bridge stretching 3.3 kilometers, would become the longest of its kind in the world.

The approval marks a major milestone in an effort that has spanned over five decades, though it doesn’t guarantee construction immediately. The green light entails advancing into the planning and preparatory phase, not the actual building yet. The now-approved project also includes 40 kilometers of road and rail links—most of which will run underground—and a new metro line with three stations on the Messina side.