The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport and Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, reiterates his goal of starting construction on the Stretto di Messina bridge by the summer of 2024. The project is considered to be the most important infrastructure in Italy, and Salvini is determined to see it through. The CEO of the Stretto di Messina company, Pietro Ciucci, stated that construction is expected to begin by the end of 2024, with excavators set to be in action by 2025. Despite concerns raised by the Ministry of the Environment regarding the environmental impact of the bridge, Ciucci remains confident in the progress being made towards realizing this ambitious project.
The Ministry of the Environment recently requested 239 additional documents from the Stretto di Messina company in relation to the bridge project. The requests focused on various aspects of the project, including environmental impacts, cost-benefit analysis, construction methods, and waste management. The Commission tasked with assessing the environmental impact of the bridge project highlighted the need for more detailed and updated information on potential risks such as tsunamis, air pollution, effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, agricultural impacts, water contamination, subsidence risks, and more. Despite these requests, the Minister, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, emphasized that such demands are a normal part of the environmental impact assessment process.
Some have interpreted the Ministry of Environment’s requests as a political maneuver against Salvini, especially since the Minister belongs to a different party, Forza Italia. Davide Faraone, a member of Italia Viva, suggested that the Stretto di Messina bridge project has become a battleground for political forces within the government. However, Minister Pichetto maintained that the requests for additional documentation were part of the standard procedure for environmental impact assessment. He reiterated that it is normal to seek clarification and technical information during the evaluation process. The Minister stressed that the company responsible for the project will need to provide satisfactory responses to the Ministry’s queries.
Despite the delays caused by the need for additional documentation, the Stretto di Messina company remains focused on advancing the Stretto di Messina bridge project. CEO Pietro Ciucci emphasized that progress is being made on two fronts: the environmental impact assessment and the coordination of services. The company is committed to addressing all concerns raised by the Ministry of the Environment and ensuring that the project moves forward in a responsible and sustainable manner. The Stretto di Messina bridge project is of significant importance to Italy’s infrastructure development, and all parties involved are working towards a successful and timely realization of this iconic structure. Salvini and Ciucci’s determination to see the project through reflects a shared vision for the future of Italy’s transport infrastructure.
