AssetID: 54973605
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Legal Battle Looms Over Italy's Approval of World's Longest Bridge Project
Caption: Legal Battle Looms Over Italy's Approval of World's Longest Bridge Amid Seismic Risk Concerns. Italy has approved the construction of the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland over the Strait of Messina. The 13.5 billion euro ($15.8 billion) project has been discussed for over 50 years and is set to break ground in the coming months. The 3.7-km (2.3-mile) bridge will require expropriating over 440 properties in Sicily and Calabria for roads and railways. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini promises generous compensation for those affected, with the bridge scheduled for completion by 2032. Environmental groups have raised concerns over the project’s impact on the local ecosystem, filing complaints with the EU. ”No Bridge" activists argue the project’s environmental risks and potential noise disruptions make it unsuitable for the area. Legal challenges could delay the project, with activists estimating that up to 1,000 people could lose their homes. Legal experts say while compensation is guaranteed, blocking the project through appeals would be challenging due to public interest. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Sicily,Messina Strait,bridge project,expropriation,legal battle,environmental concerns,Matteo Salvini,European Union,compensation,No Bridge movement,infrastructure,construction,Italy,legal appeals,environmental law,EU regulations,public interest,seismic risk
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