The history of the Strait of Messina Bridge project, from its origins to the present day, is quite complex: 

• 1968: Anas launches an international Competition of ideas for the construction of a permanent road and rail link between Sicily and the mainland.
• 1971 Law 1158/71 establishes a government owned company responsible for the design, construction, and management of a permanent road and rail connection between Sicily and the mainland.
• 1981: Stretto di Messina is incorporated, and in 1985, a concession is signed for project development. Studies begin on various types of crossing: aerial (bridge), underwater (submerged tube), and subsea (underground tunnel). Upon completion, the single-span suspension bridge solution is selected.
• 1992 1992: The suspension bridge design is completed and submitted to the State Railway company, Anas, and the Higher Council of Public Works, all of which provide favorable opinions. The “Messina Style” is born.
• 2001: The Strait of Messina Bridge is identified as one of three strategic infrastructure projects under the “Legge Obiettivo”.
• 2002: Stretto di Messina updates the Preliminary Design. 
• 2003: CIPE approves the Preliminary Design.
• 2006: Following international tenders, contracts are signed with the General Contractor, Project Management Consultant, Environmental Monitor, and Insurance Broker.

• 2006: In November, Law 286 stipulated that the Strait of Messina Bridge would no longer be considered a priority in the government’s program, deferring any decision on the project until further notice.
• 2008: In September, the CIPE reconfirmed the public utility of the Bridge. The following month, Stretto di Messina issues a Start Order to the General Contractor, Project Management Consultant, and Environmental Monitor.

• 2011:  The final design for the Strait of Messina Bridge. The Board of Directors of Stretto di Messina approves the final design for the Strait of Messina Bridge and 40 kilometers of road and rail connections.
• 2012:  Work on the first preparatory task for the Strait of Messina Bridge, the “Cannitello railway realignment” in Villa San Giovanni, ends in May.
• 2012: At the end of the year, the government decides to halt the project and put Stretto di Messina into liquidation.
• 2023: The first meeting of the Board of Directors of Stretto di Messina is held, marking the restart of activities aimed at the construction of the Bridge, in accordance with Law Decree 35.
• 2024: In February, the Board of Directors of Stretto di Messina approves the Report on the updated final design and sends it to the competent ministries and authorities.
• 2024: In November, the Commission for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of the Ministry of the Environment issues a favorable opinion on the Environmental Impact Study.