Messina Bridge

The Messina Bridge will be one of the longest bridges to see. Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, Italy. Being located at Northeast corner of the city, it lies over the shores. Soon it would make up its name in the history with the completion of the world’s longest bridge ever completed. However, the project is still under construction, but once it is completed, it would be a landmark to the bridges of 21st century. This bridge would be the longest suspension bridge bridging its way between two poles.
This bridge took thorough study for over many decades and then planned to be a suspension bridge because it was to cross the strait of Messina, a narrow section of water between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of mainland Italy. As such, it was disappointing for technology lovers when its construction was cancelled in the year 2006. Basically, it was planned to start its construction in the year 2006 and end up by 2012. However, this delay may lead to increase the time of the bridge’s completion.

The reason behind the suspension of bridge is quiet common. To avoid problems of deep waters, earthquakes and winds, this 3300 meters (2 miles) suspension is planned. However, the main span spreading to 2 miles, side spans would be around 180 meters.

Getting into the details of design may interest you. Being so technological perfect, the idea of bridge has been around since Roman times. Basic idea was submitted by British engineer AL Grant in an international competition submitted in 1970. it was promoted by Italian government and scored one of the winning positions among the 6 winners.

Being a tecno-perfect plan, it was accepted, however, went under-review because of its demands of high investments. As a result, its construction was terminated in October 2006, with a view that it would increase the criminal activities and due to frauds it may not become as it should be. Seeing the risks to the lives of millions of people that would have crossed it daily, the construction was finally terminated.

Well now, termination of the project has lead the experts to think from a new point of view and now there will be a new patented lighter deck design to deal with aerodynamic and seismic problems. Features of bridge would sort the wind problems and allows it to withstand 216km/hr. Moreover, it would be made so strong so as to resist severe earthquake with the magnitude of over 7.1 on the rector scale, which is actually more severe than the earthquake that destroyed Messina in the year 1908. Thus, when this long bridge is finally completed, it will be a sight to see. It will also be one of the longest bridges in the world.