The more than £11.5 billion project has been delayed time and time again, but Italy's Prime Minister has made its construction a top priority despite the construction having its critics

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.