Webuild Begins Recruitment for Messina Strait Bridge Construction

Messina: Contractor Webuild initiated the recruitment process for the Messina Strait Bridge, which will be the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to Italy’s mainland. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini mentioned on September 24 that the government intends to address the Audit Court’s concerns regarding the project, allowing the long-delayed construction to commence later this year, albeit slightly behind the original schedule.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 13.5-billion-euro endeavor received definitive approval from the CIPESS economic planning committee on August 6. Salvini projected that the bridge would be operational by 2032 or 2033. The comprehensive project entails building a 3.3-kilometer suspension bridge, 40 kilometers of road and rail connections, three new train stations, and a business center in Calabria.

The initiative, once championed by the late three-time premier and media mogul Silvio Berlusconi, had been postponed for decades due to its substantial cost and concerns over environmental impact, seismic risks, and potential mafia involvement. Initial plans for the bridge were drawn over fifty years ago. However, the project was resurrected by Salvini following the center-right’s victory in the 2022 general election.

Webuild emphasized that the project offers an “opportunity for thousands of jobs in Calabria and Sicily.” The company stated, “While awaiting the Court of Auditors’ final decision, we are accelerating our human resources efforts, focusing on training and hiring to build a team of professionals and young talent ready to contribute to a project that will change the face of Southern Italy and the entire country.”