Thousands of people have marched in Messina, Sicily, to protest a government plan to build a bridge connecting the Italian mainland with Sicily.

But for millennia, generations of travelers have required a boat to cross Messina Strait separating Sicily and the mainland. Historical records indicate the desire to build a bridge connecting the landmasses dates as far back as ancient Rome,

The march in Messina represents one of the largest public demonstrations against the bridge project to date. Protesters gathered to express concerns about various aspects of the proposed construction, which would span the Strait of Messina, connecting Sicily with the Calabria region on the Italian mainland.

A long-delayed and debated span linking the Italian mainland with Sicily cleared a major hurdle Wednesday, allowing work to begin on what would be the world's longest suspension bridge.

Residents are opposed to the bridge over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental effect, and mafia interference.

Thousands of people protested on Saturday in the Sicilian city of Messina against a government plan to build a bridge connecting the Italian mainland

The Strait of Messina Bridge would connect Sicily to the rest of Italy over a 2-mile stretch. It's expected to cost 13.5 billion euros ($15.7 billion), which Italy's Presidency of the Council of Ministers says will be completely funded by the public and has already been accounted for in the 2024 and 2025 budget.

Italy's long-standing dream to build the world’s longest suspension bridge between the mainland and the island of Sicily has just moved one step closer to becoming reality. On August 6, the Italian government gave its final approval to build the Strait of Messina Bridge (Ponte sullo Stretto di Messina) between Sicily to the southern region of

Protesters staunchly oppose the Strait of Messina Bridge project over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact and the specter of mafia interference.