Messina Strait Bridge faces soaring toll estimates and financial criticism

Italian trade union CGIL warned that the Messina Strait Bridge could impose tolls up to €27 per crossing and that the project's economic, infrastructural and financial gaps may force the state and taxpayers to bear the costs. The union said, “the concrete risk is that the State and citizens will pay the final bill.”

A Democratic Party senator asked for the full economic‑financial plan and the Transport Regulation Authority’s (ART) opinion, noting the ART did not endorse the project and highlighting concerns about a €27.43 average toll and a zero‑price rail fee. The concessionaire replied that vehicle fees would stay between €4‑7 per trip.

The Five Star Movement accused the government of planning tolls that could reach €50, calling the bridge “an‑ennesima truffa mascherata da grande opera.” The party cited the ART’s 11 observations and warned that traffic forecasts and ancillary road and rail links lack solid financing.

Futuro Nazionale leader Roberto Vannacci argued the bridge could attract capital and further infrastructure, while critics say immediate investments in existing roads and services are overdue.