Italy has approved the construction of the world's longest suspension bridge to connect the island of Sicily with the Italian mainland. The project, valued at approximately 13.5 to 15.6 billion euros ($15.5 billion), will span the Strait of Messina and is planned for completion by 2032. The contract for the construction has been awarded to the Spanish company Sacyr, with a contract value reported at 10.6 billion euros. Japan's IHI has also joined the project. This initiative, which has been discussed since ancient Roman times and faced numerous delays over the past 50 years, aims to improve connectivity but has sparked controversy. Critics, including opposition parties and environmentalists, have raised concerns about the project's cost, its impact on the seismic zone, and environmental risks. Some opponents vow legal challenges to halt the construction, emphasizing the need to protect the Strait of Messina. The Italian government intends to classify the project as part of its defense spending, a move that has drawn further debate. The bridge is expected to become a major infrastructure landmark, reflecting a long-standing ambition to link Sicily more directly with mainland Italy.