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 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.

Italy's government on Wednesday approved a controversial 13.5-billion-euro ($15.6-billion) project to build what would be the world's longest suspension bridge connecting the island of Sicily to the mainland.