Strait of Messina Bridge: Construction and tolls: what's wrong with the project?

The Messina Strait Bridge project is once again at the center of political and social debate, with construction scheduled to begin in September. However, there is no shortage of criticism and doubts, particularly regarding the project's economic sustainability and the toll issue. Many experts and observers are questioning the implementation method and the potential impact it could have on residents and local traffic.

Salvini's plan seems solid on paper, but several technical and financial aspects remain controversial, casting doubt on the actual feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the entire project.

Strait of Messina Bridge: A project approved hastily amid doubts and controversy

After a brief discussion between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini , and a quick examination of a technical dossier accumulated over 14 years , the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPES) approved the final project for the bridge over the Strait of Messina.

The project was thus given the green light, pending formal approval by the Court of Auditors. However, the expedited process has drawn widespread criticism from environmental groups, the hundreds of families at risk of expropriation, and most of the affected local governments, with the exception of the city of Messina.

The bridge, scheduled for completion between 2032 and 2033 , will be a single span and measure 3,300 meters, making it the longest of its kind in the world. Featuring six road lanes (three in each direction, including an emergency lane) and two railway tracks, it should drastically reduce crossing times : from over an hour to about ten minutes for vehicles, and from two hours to about a quarter of an hour for trains.

The total investment is around €13.5 billion , covered entirely by the state budget. However, decisive opinions, such as that of the Court of Auditors, which will certify the financial and administrative legitimacy of the entire project, are still lacking, and numerous technical, environmental, and legal obstacles remain.

Strait of Messina Bridge: Technical and environmental issues still unresolved

Despite the government's enthusiasm, the scientific committee appointed by the Ministry of Infrastructure has identified four critical areas in the project , deeming further assessments necessary before the construction phase begins. The main ones concern wind and seismic resistance : the project requires updates to its aerodynamic analyses and microseismic zoning, given the presence of an active fault less than 20 meters from where one of the pylons is planned to be built. The quality and provenance of the materials, particularly the steel required for the load-bearing cables, have also been thoroughly examined. The assessments, deemed essential to ensure safety and reliability, are still ongoing.

From an environmental perspective , several associations such as WWF, Legambiente, LIPU, and Italia Nostra have highlighted serious shortcomings in the environmental impact assessment. The complaints concern the effects on the Strait's biodiversity, the lack of effective compensatory measures, and the risks associated with breaking the project into individual construction lots. The European Commission, under the Habitats Directive, is also examining the documentation provided by Italy, with particular attention to the project's compatibility with European environmental protection obligations.

There are also serious concerns about the bridge's ability to accommodate cruise ships and larger containers: some experts have estimated that between 11% and 17% of currently operating container ships would be unable to pass under the structure, potentially impacting the operations of commercial ports, particularly that of Gioia Tauro.

Strait of Messina Bridge: High toll and protests

On the economic side, the toll is estimated to be between €9 and €10 for cars , with possible discounts for commuters. Despite this, Codacons considers it a world record cost, estimating €2.73 per kilometer—about 3,500% more than the motorway average (€0.075/km). By comparison, a ferry across the Strait frequently costs more than €40, but is still cheaper per kilometer.

The road to completion remains fraught with obstacles. After approval by the Court of Auditors, preparatory work (expropriations, reclamation, archaeological surveys) will begin, and the final design phase will begin.