Italy’s Messina Straits bridge dispute

The legal wrangling over Italy’s stalled Straits of Messina bridge project continues. Construction of the bridge over the Messina Strait and connecting the Island of Sicily with mainland Italy has been discussed for many years. Plans for the bridge were drawn up some years ago and then the project halted, with it being revived and once again halted more recently as Italy’s financial problems began to bite. The arguments over cancelling the project have grown however and firms awarded contracts for design and construction are now demanding payment for work carried out. Meanwhile the firm behind the project, Stretto di Messina, may also look to demand compensation. The company was formed in 1981 and is controlled by 1184 ANAS, although the local governments for Calabria and Sicily as well as the Italian rail company 1187 Ferrovie dello Stato also have shares. The company was put into liquidation in spring 2013 and Vincenzo Fortunato has been appointed to oversee the liquidation process. Sources suggest that Stretto di Messina has called on the Italian Government for €300 million in compensation, plus 10% as allowed under the country’s legal framework.