As Pope Francis said, and now Pope Leo XIV, ‘build bridges, not walls’

For this generation and the next, creating wealth fosters self-sufficiency and resilience in regions or communities, reducing dependence on handouts or subsidies while promoting sustainable growth and independence. Also, be in full compliance with Climate Change legislation.

Below is current proposal in Italy, by way of example.

The Strait of Messina Bridge is a long-planned suspension bridge intended to connect the island of Sicily with mainland Italy across the Strait of Messina, linking Torre Faro in Sicily to Villa San Giovanni in Calabria. When completed, it will be the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge, with a central span of 3.3 kilometers and a total length of approximately 3.7 kilometers. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic development in southern Italy, and integrate Sicily into the Berlin-Palermo railway axis of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T)

Project Description

• Design and Specifications:
  • Length and Structure: The bridge will span 3.3 km (central suspended span) with a total length of 3.7 km, supported by two 399-meter-high towers. The deck, approximately 60 meters wide, will accommodate six road lanes (three per direction, including shoulders), a double-track railway, and pedestrian lanes.
  • Capacity: It is designed to handle 6,000 vehicles per hour and up to 200 trains per day, significantly reducing crossing times from 70–100 minutes by ferry to about 10 minutes by car and 15 minutes by train.
  • Engineering Features: The bridge incorporates advanced seismic and aerodynamic designs to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 7.1 and winds up to 216 km/h. Its “Messina Type Deck” is inspired by aerodynamically stable designs like Turkey’s Çanakkale Bridge.
  • Supporting Infrastructure: The project includes over 40 km of road and rail connections, with 80% in tunnels, three underground railway stations in Messina, and a multi-use center in Villa San Giovanni.
  • Cost: Estimated at €13.5 billion ($15.6 billion), with funding primarily from public sources, though private financing is also being pursued.
• Purpose:
  • To create a stable road and rail link, replacing frequent ferry services (34 trains, 3,300 trucks, 6,300 cars, and 12,000 pedestrians daily).
  • To stimulate economic growth in Sicily and Calabria, regions with high unemployment (13% vs. 6.5% national average), by creating an estimated 120,000 jobs annually during construction.
  • To serve as a strategic infrastructure for civilian and potential military use, with Italy seeking to classify it as military expenditure to meet NATO’s 5% GDP defense spending target.

The Strait of Messina Bridge is an ambitious project with the potential to reshape southern Italy’s economy and connectivity, but it faces formidable challenges. Its history of cancellations reflects deep-seated issues, including funding constraints, environmental concerns, and mafia risks. With final approval secured in August 2025, the project is closer to reality than ever, but its success hinges on overcoming legal, environmental, and social obstacles while maintaining transparency and financial discipline. The coming years will determine whether the bridge becomes a symbol of Italian innovation or, as critics fear, another stalled dream.

Click on pictogram image above for link to Strait of Messina Bridge website. An example of what can be achieved with the vision, political will and ambition !

Strangford Lough Crossing: Sustainable Connectivity for a Balanced Future

A Multi-Modal Vision Aligned with Northern Ireland’s Strategic Priorities

The Strangford Lough Crossing proposal represents a transformative opportunity to create a sustainable, future-focused connection between communities while supporting Northern Ireland’s strategic infrastructure priorities.

Supporting Active Travel Networks

Our vision extends beyond a traditional bridge to create a true sustainable transport corridor:

• Dedicated active travel lanes connecting the networks identified in the Department for Infrastructure’s Active Travel Delivery Plan
• Creation of the region’s most scenic cycling and walking route, encouraging tourism and healthy lifestyles
• Linking the active travel networks of Ards & North Down with Newry, Mourne & Down, currently divided by the Lough
• Avail of the rich maritime facilities including the marina, capable of all round use and key contribution to the local economy if included in the overall concept.

Advancing Climate and Environmental Goals

The crossing will serve as a model for environmentally responsible infrastructure:

• Reduced emissions by eliminating the current 75km detour and ferry operations
• Integration of renewable energy generation within the structure
• State-of-the-art design minimizing impact on the sensitive marine environment
• Enhanced public transport connectivity reducing car dependency

Addressing Regional Imbalance

The crossing directly supports the Department for Economy’s Sub-Regional Economic Plan (October 2024) objectives:

• Connecting the Ards Peninsula, which currently has the lowest median wages in Northern Ireland (£450.10 weekly)
• Providing 24/7 reliable access to services, education, and employment opportunities
• Supporting the aging population with improved emergency services and healthcare access
• Enabling sustainable economic development in underserved areas

Building Resilience

The project strengthens Northern Ireland’s infrastructure resilience:

• Creating transportation network redundancy through an alternative to the weather-dependent ferry
• Supporting emergency services with consistent, reliable access
• Establishing a critical link that facilitates public service delivery regardless of conditions

The Strangford Lough Crossing represents more than connectivity—it embodies the integrated, place-based approach advocated by the Pivotal Public Policy Forum, where infrastructure serves multiple strategic objectives simultaneously. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how Northern Ireland can develop infrastructure that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities for generations to come.

Join us in supporting this vision for a more connected, sustainable, and balanced Northern Ireland.