Part 3: Italy: The Strait of Messina BridgeThe bridge over the Strait of Messina, due to connect southern Italy with Sicily in 2017, is a pet project of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Construction of the massive structure is expected to continue this year. The design calls for a central span of 3300 meters, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world. The planned height of the towers would also make it the world’s tallest. But the 'bridge of superlatives' has divided Italy. Critics refer to a 'Pharaonic project' that will devour billions of euros and may even be threatened by earthquakes.