A Bridge Too Far? Sicily Link Revisited

The ancient dream of bridging the Strait of Messina has been revived by Italian officials, despite persistent claims that the project is unworkable and opposition from local communities, according to a Guardian feature published this weekend. The plan, which dates back more than 2,000 years to the Romans, would link Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, to mainland Italy.

The crossing would connect Sicily to Calabria, the region at the toe of Italy's boot, and has long been a symbol of the country's struggle to unite its north and south. For Calabria, the bridge has been both a promise of economic integration and a source of suspicion, with critics questioning the costs and the motives behind repeated revivals of the scheme.

The Guardian notes that officials have revived the plan, though it does not name which officials or provide a timeline. The project has a long history of being announced, delayed and abandoned, with engineering challenges and financial concerns repeatedly blocking progress.