Sicily bridge hangs in the balance

The bridge could transform the town of Messina

A long-discussed plan to build a bridge linking Sicily to mainland Italy is awaiting government approval after a report by experts costing it at $5.2bn.

Ever since Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Sicily in 1860, completing the unification of the nation, Italians have considered building a bridge over the Strait of Messina.

But this week's report is the most comprehensive so far and lays out a timescale for construction as well as an assessment of the environmental impact of the bridge and its precise cost.

However, it does not say whether the bridge should be built or not.

Opponents point to the huge costs, the possibility of damage by earthquakes, the spread of the Sicily-based Mafia and damage to the environment.

Threat to birds

The suspension bridge would be over 5km long and 61 metres wide.

It would need four years of preparation and then actual construction work would last another seven years, employing around 14,000 people.

The alternative to the bridge would be the improvement of existing sea and air links at a much lower cost of less than $1bn.

Sicily and the neighbouring mainland area of Calabria are among the poorest regions of Italy.

Analysts say the bridge would boost the economy there, attracting tourism but the report warns it would bring an "irreversible change of the landscape" and that the noise could even change the movements of migratory birds.

Judicial task force

It is thought unlikely that Italy's centre-left government will give a final verdict on the plan when it discusses it on Friday.

Environmentalists and the small Green party are strongly opposed, but Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister and leader of the Forza Italia party, has indicated he will press ahead if he wins the forthcoming general election.

The new report suggests that 60% of the cost would be paid by the Italian Government and the rest by private investors and the European Union.

It recommends a judicial task force to guard against Mafia infiltration when bidding for contracts begins.