Italy gives final approval for world's longest suspension bridge to Sicily

The project, which has been started before, still needs to cross several hurdles before building can start.

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The designers claim the bridge – which is due to be built on one of the most seismically active areas in the Mediterranean – will be able to withstand earthquakes.

It is the latest attempt by Italian officials to launch the Messina Bridge project - several have tried over the years but plans have later been scrapped due to concerns over cost, environmental damage, safety or potential mafia meddling.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has admitted the most recent project has not been easy.

However, she said on Wednesday that she considers it an "investment in Italy's present and future".