Thousands marching against plan to build massive bridge connecting Sicily with the continent of Italys

Rome (AP) thousands of people performed in the Sicilian city of Messina on Saturday to protest a government plan to build a bridge that would connect the Italian continent with Sicily in a 13.5 billion billion ($ 15.5 billion) massive infrastructure project. Protesters are contrary to the street of Messina Bridge project over the scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact and the ghost of Mafia interference. The idea of building a bridge to connect Sicily to the rest of Italy is abandoned for decades, but is always delayed because of these problems. However, the project took a big step forward when a government committee that oversees strategic public investment approved the plan this week. Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini, the most important political supporter of the project, calls it “the largest infrastructure project in the West.” Salvini has quoted studies that the project is estimated to create up to 120,000 jobs annually and help stimulate economic growth in the economic decline of Southern Italy, as billions are more investing in the surrounding road and infrastructure improvements. Opponents are not convinced by these arguments. They are also angry that about 500 families should be expropriated so that the bridge can be built. “The street of Messina cannot be touched,” protesters shouted as they marched in Messina. Many wore banners who had “no ponte” (no bridge). Organizers estimated crowds at 10,000 people. The proposed bridge would stretch nearly 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles) with a suspended 3.3 kilometers (more than 2 miles). It would surpass Turkey’s Canakkal Bridge with 1.277 meters (4,189 feet) to become the longest suspension bridge in the world. Preliminary work can begin so early in September or early October, pending approval of the Italy Audith Court. The complete construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion between 2032 and 2033. Plans for a bridge have been approved and canceled several times since the Italian government first asked the project in 2023. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration revived the project in 2023. With three car lanes in each direction that was a double railroad, the capacity would be carried on the capacity. Trains per day – Reduce the time to cross the stretch of ferry from up to 100 minutes to 10 minutes by car. Trains save 2/12 hours in the transport time, Salvini said. The project could also support the commitment of Italy to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP targeted by NATO, as the government indicated that it would classify the bridge as defense related. Italy argues that the bridge would form a strategic course for rapid troop movements and equipment deployment and qualify it as ‘security -enhancing infrastructure’. However, environmental groups filed complaints with the EU, citing the concern that the project would affect migratory birds. The President of Italy also demanded that the project still be subject to anti-Mafia legislation that applies to all large-scale infrastructure projects. Salvini promised that the retention of organized crime from the project was a top priority.