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

Italy’s government was set on Wednesday to give the final approval to the multi-billion-euro project to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, paving the way for works to begin after decades of discussions.