The future of transportation took shape on two continents this week as Italy and China announced bridges that would redefine what's possible in modern engineering.
Italy greenlit a $15.5 billion project to build what would become the world's longest suspension bridge, infrastructure company WeBuild said on Wednesday. Over the weekend, the Chinese state-run People's Daily reported the near-completion of what will be the world's tallest bridge.
The Italian project, connecting Sicily to mainland Italy across the Strait of Messina, would stretch nearly 2.3 miles, with its suspended span reaching nearly 2.1 miles. This would surpass the current record holder, Turkey's Canakkale Bridge, by more than half a mile.
"Today, Italy has shown once again how it can come together around a mega project that will be transformative for the whole country," Pietro Salini, chief executive of WeBuild, said in a press release.
Meanwhile, in China's southwestern Guizhou Province, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge reached a milestone with the installation of its final steel girder. According to Chinese state television, the bridge will stand at 2,051 feet from deck to river -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Italy's bridge, designed to carry 6,000 cars per hour and 200 trains daily, focuses on connecting a major island to the mainland. China's Huajiang bridge, while completing a crucial expressway link, incorporates ambitious tourist attractions, including what will be the world's highest bungee jump.
Both projects reportedly face unique challenges, Italy's bridge must contend with seismic risks in the Messina fault region, according to The Associated Press, while China's bridge tackles the extreme engineering demands of spanning one of the world's deepest canyons.
The competition reflects a broader trend in global infrastructure development. While Italy aims to strengthen its vital connection to Sicily, China has been systematically building the world's highest bridges.
China's Guizhou Province alone has more high bridges than all other countries combined, according to HighestBridges.com.
The Italian Transport Ministry announced construction on the Messina bridge is expected to begin next year. According to People's Daily China, the Huajiang bridge is now over 98% complete, and is set to open by the end of September in southwest China's Guizhou Province.