Three contractor consortiums have prequalified to bid for what will be the world’s longest suspension bridge. Stretto di Messina S.p.A., the company that will design, build, operate and manage the Strait of Messina Bridge project, last month selected international consortiums led by Strabag AG, Astaldi S.p.A. and Impregilo S.p.A. and expect bids by April 20, 2005. The 3.3-kilometer-long suspension bridge will link mainland Italy and Sicily and will include 20.3 km of roadway and 19.8 km of railway. Construction is estimated at $5.8 billion.