Italy has cleared the way to build the world’s largest suspension bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily.

Residents are opposed to the bridge over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental effect, and mafia interference.

Italy has finally approved a €13.5bn (£12bn) plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge from the mainland to Sicily – an idea first envisaged by the ancient Romans – despite concerns funds will be siphoned off by the mafia.