Italy plans a massive bridge connecting Sicily and the mainland, reviving a Roman concept. Despite legal approval, the project faces legal challenges, environmental concerns, and opposition from local residents.

Italy's government gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland, despite environmental, financial and other concerns that have delayed it for decades.

Rome has given final approval to a €13.5bn ($15.6bn) project to build the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting the island of Sicily to the region of Calabria, on the tip of Italy's boot.