Court of Auditors’ scrutiny puts Messina Strait bridge timetable at risk
Italy’s Court of Auditors has raised legal and technical concerns over the EUR 13.5 billion Messina Strait rail-road bridge, questioning the use of a 2005 contract award and highlighting gaps in safety assessments—risks that could delay approvals and force a new procurement process.
The project aims to link Sicily and Calabria with a 3.7 km suspension bridge featuring a world-record 3.3 km main span. The Eurolink consortium, led by Webuild with partners Sacyr and IHI, is contracted to deliver the combined rail and road link by 2032–33 following government approval in August 2025.
Legal and technical questions
The court has challenged the government’s decision to revive the 2005 contract without launching a new tender, citing potential conflicts with EU competition law. Auditors also flagged outdated or incomplete seismic and environmental studies. The matter was referred to a collegiate body on 24 October, with a decision expected by early November.
A conditional or negative opinion could trigger re-tendering, pushing the opening into the mid-2030s and increasing costs beyond the current EUR 13.5 billion estimate—up from EUR 3.8 billion in 2005. The government has defended the project as strategically vital, citing economic and infrastructure benefits.
Why it matters: Procurement certainty and technical due diligence will determine when suppliers can mobilise for civil works, steel fabrication, cabling, and rail systems integration across one of Europe’s most complex infrastructure projects.
What’s next: The court’s formal decision is expected imminently. Any conditions could trigger government override procedures or fresh EU scrutiny on environmental compliance and state-aid rules.