Possible relaunch of Sicily Strait bridge construction

MILAN – Italian PM Matteo Renzi will consider restarting the stalled construction of a suspension bridge linking Sicily to the Italian mainland, Salini Impregilo, CEO of Pietro Salini said Friday.

If built, the bridge would end Sicily’s isolation from the Italian homeland, giving people the option to travel by car between Sicily and mainland Italy for the first time in history.

 "I wish and hope that Renzi will reopen the dossier" of the long-planned bridge across the Messina Straits, Salini said.

The bridge has been a favorite talking point of politicians wishing to promote their commitment to the development of Italian infrastructure, including former PM Silvio Berlusconi, but has thus far remained nothing more than a talking point.

All that could feasibly change with Mr. Renzi’s announcement that he will consider finally reopening the long stalled project.

In a statement, Salini said he has discussed the possibility of beginning construction with the premier, and informed him that Salini Impregilo engineering is willing to renounce the penalty compensation it is theoretically due for state delays in implementing the contract to build the bridge.