The 2.3-mile-long bridge between the mainland and Sicily is expected to be finished by 2033, the Italian government says.

A long-delayed and debated span linking the Italian mainland with Sicily cleared a major hurdle Wednesday, allowing work to begin on what would be the world's longest suspension bridge.

Italy has approved a $15.5bn suspension bridge which will connect the mainland to the island of Sicily. Italy has given final approval to a long-delayed plan to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the mainland to Sicily in a project worth €13.5bn ($15.5bn).