Italy's decision to approve the construction between Sicily and the mainland of what would be the world's longest single-span bridge has set the stage for a legal battle that could further delay a project first conceived by the ancient Romans.

Italy has given final approval for the construction of what would be the world's longest single-span bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland, a decision that immediately sets the stage for a potential legal battle.

Italy cleared the way Wednesday to build the world's largest suspension bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily in a massive $15.5 billion infrastructure project that has been long delayed by debates over its scale,