Introduction to the project of the Messina Bridge

Abstract

At the end of 2005, the joint venture from which Sacyr is partner presented the best technical and economical offer for the construction of the Messina Bridge (Italy). The tender budget was 4.400 millions of euros. This paper describes the different stages of development of this huge project. First of all, the reasons to select a suspension bridge instead of a deep tunnel or a float one are analysed. After that, the different possibilities for the bridge solution are commented (place, number of spans?). Finally, the tender project is described briefly, with special focus on the improvements presented in this phase for the Sacyr?s group.