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.

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.

Italy gave the final approval on Wednesday to build what would be the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland, despite concerns including earthquakes, environmental impacts and the threat of mafia interference.