ROME (AP) - Officials of a project to build a bridge linking the Italian mainland to Sicily say the architect for New York's Ground Zero Skyscraper is working on designs for a complex to be built on the Calabrian side of the span.

Strait of Messina Bridge Executives say they recently met Daniel Libeskind, the architect of one World Trade Center, to discuss construction of shops, hotels and conference halls.

The company also said Monday that work should begin by year's end on the highway and rail bridge which will connect the Calabrian “toe” of the Italian peninsula to the port of Messina, Sicily.

If completed, it will be the largest suspension bridge in the world.
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