Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Home Local news Thousands Protest Against Proposed Bridge Connecting Sicily to Mainland Italy
  • Local news

Thousands Protest Against Proposed Bridge Connecting Sicily to Mainland Italy

    Thousands march against plan to build massive bridge linking Sicily to Italy's mainland
    Up next
    Owner of Trump-themed burger chain faces deportation after feds allege illegal status, 'sham' marriages
    Trump-themed Burger Chain Owner Faces Deportation Amid Allegations of Illegal Status and ‘Sham’ Marriages
    Published on 09 August 2025
    Author
    Internewscast
    Tags
    • against,
    • bridge,
    • build,
    • Business,
    • Climate,
    • Environment,
    • Giorgia Meloni,
    • Italy039s,
    • Linking,
    • Mainland,
    • march,
    • massive,
    • Matteo Salvini,
    • plan,
    • Sicily,
    • Thousands,
    • world news
    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest

    ROME – On Saturday, a large crowd gathered in Messina, Sicily to voice their opposition to the government’s ambitious 13.5-billion-euro ($15.5 billion) plan to construct a bridge linking mainland Italy to Sicily.

    Demonstrators are firmly against the project, citing its immense scale, the potential for earthquakes, environmental concerns, and the risk of mafia involvement.

    For years, the concept of a bridge connecting Sicily with Italy has been on the table but repeatedly shelved due to these unresolved issues. This week, however, saw significant progress when a government panel responsible for major public projects gave the green light.

    Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the project’s main political backer, called it “the biggest infrastructure project in the West.”

    Proponents, like Salvini, refer to studies suggesting the bridge could create 120,000 jobs annually and boost the underdeveloped southern Italian economy as supplementary infrastructure investments follow.

    Critics remain skeptical of these economic projections and express frustration over the potential displacement of about 500 families for the bridge’s construction.

    During the march in Messina, protesters loudly proclaimed, “The Strait of Messina can’t be touched,” while bearing banners reading “No Ponte” (No Bridge). Organizers claimed the participation reached 10,000 individuals.

    The proposed bridge would span nearly 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles) with a suspended section of 3.3 kilometers (more than 2 miles). It would surpass Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge by 1,277 meters (4,189 feet) to become the longest suspension bridge in the world.

    Preliminary work could begin as early as late September or early October, pending approval from Italy’s Court of Audit. Full construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion targeted between 2032 and 2033.

    Plans for a bridge have been approved and canceled multiple times since the Italian government first solicited proposals for one in 1969. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration revived the project in 2023.

    With three car lanes in each direction flanked by a double-track railway, the bridge would have the capacity to carry 6,000 cars an hour and 200 trains a day — reducing the time to cross the strait by ferry from up to 100 minutes to 10 minutes by car. Trains would save 2/12 hours in transit time, Salvini said.

    The project could also support Italy’s commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP targeted by NATO, as the government has indicated it would classify the bridge as defense-related.

    Italy argues that the bridge would form a strategic corridor for rapid troop movements and equipment deployment, qualifying it as “security-enhancing infrastructure.”

    Environmental groups, however, have lodged complaints with the EU, citing concerns that the project would impact migratory birds.

    Italy’s president has also insisted that the project remain subject to anti-mafia legislation that applies to all large-scale infrastructure projects. Salvini pledged that keeping organized crime out of the project was a top priority.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest
    You May Also Like
    'Blessed to be here': Man describes close encounter with armed bank robber
    • Local news

    Grateful to Be Safe: Man Recounts Harrowing Experience with Armed Bank Robber

    SAVANNAH, Ga. () — After a daring armed robbery at the Bank…
    • Internewscast
    • October 25, 2025
    Rep. Buddy Carter visits Manus Bio in Augusta on Friday
    • Local news

    Rep. Buddy Carter Tours Manus Bio in Augusta: Key Insights into Biotech Innovations and Economic Impact

    AUGUSTA, Ga. () – U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R) paid a visit…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Sacred Heart-Griffin football hoping to rebound after narrow loss
    • Local news

    Resilient Sacred Heart-Griffin Football Aims for Comeback After Heartbreaking Defeat

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – As the Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin football team prepares…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Samara Joy reflects on her Grammy wins and the creative journey behind 'Portrait'
    • Local news

    Grammy-Winning Artist Samara Joy Unveils Inspiration and Journey Behind Acclaimed Album ‘Portrait

    LOS ANGELES – Samara Joy’s voice resonates with an enchanting allure, transporting…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Woman shot by border agents in Chicago out of hospital, in FBI custody
    • Local news

    Chicago’s Tranquil Protests Shine a Spotlight on Border Patrol Chief Controversy

    On Friday, protesters gathered peacefully outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Bone to pick: Adult-themed skeleton decor rattles Minneola neighborhood
    • Local news

    Spooky Skeleton Display in Minneola Sparks Community Debate

    MINNEOLA, Fla. – In a Minneola neighborhood, a Halloween display featuring skeletons…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Universal Orlando launches new multi-day tickets for 2026
    • Local news

    Explore Universal Orlando’s Exciting New Multi-Day Ticket Options for 2026 Adventures!

    Universal Orlando has unveiled an exciting new offering for 2026: multi-day tickets…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025

    Local Veterans Commemorate Beirut Bombing Anniversary: Honoring the Fallen and Reflecting on History

    In Kingsport, Tennessee, an event was recently held to commemorate the 42nd…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Asian shares rise after White House confirms plans for Trump to meet with Chinese leader Xi
    • Local news

    Asian Markets Surge as White House Confirms Upcoming Trump-Xi Meeting

    The anticipation of a significant diplomatic encounter has injected positivity into Asian…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025

    Bristol, TN Awarded $48,000 Grant to Enhance Parks and Recreation Planning

    BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Bristol, Tennessee, is among 18 locales across the…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Has America's economy gone K-shaped? Here's what to know
    • Local news

    Understanding the K-Shaped Recovery: How America’s Economy is Dividing and What It Means for You

    The current state of the U.S. economy reveals a stark divide: prosperity…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Richard Mille watches worth 'hundreds of thousands of dollars' stolen during F1 weekend
    • Local news

    Luxury Richard Mille Watches Stolen Amid F1 Weekend Frenzy

    AUSTIN (KXAN) During the Formula One weekend at the Circuit of The…
    • Internewscast
    • October 24, 2025
    Suspect in Bronx NYCHA killing charged with murder, held without bail
    • News

    Bronx NYCHA Murder Suspect Faces Murder Charges: No Bail Granted in High-Profile Case

    In a Bronx courtroom on Friday, a 67-year-old man accused in a…
    • Internewscast
    • October 25, 2025
    Sotomayor harshly rebukes colleagues in death penalty case
    • Crime

    Justice Sotomayor Issues Strong Critique of Colleagues in Death Penalty Ruling

    Left: FILE – This undated photo provided by the Alabama Department of…
    • Internewscast
    • October 25, 2025
    Nineties bombshell Bridget Fonda, 61, shows off weight loss
    • News

    Bridget Fonda, 61, Unveils Remarkable Transformation with Recent Weight Loss

    Bridget Fonda, renowned for her alluring presence as the quintessential girl-next-door…
    • Internewscast
    • October 25, 2025
    • Food For Soul

    Rhapsody Of Realities 25 October 2025: God’s Wisdom Working Through You

    Rhapsody Of Realities 25 October 2025 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy):…
    • Internewscast
    • October 25, 2025
    Internewscast Journal
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Guest Post
    • Support Our Cause
    Copyright 2023. All Right Reserverd.