The Italian government has granted final approval for the construction of the world's longest suspension bridge, which will connect the island of Sicily to mainland Italy. The project, valued at approximately 13.5 billion euros ($15.5 billion), aims to span the Strait of Messina with a single-span suspension bridge measuring around 3.3 kilometers in length. The contract for the construction has been awarded to the Spanish firm Sacyr, with Japan's IHI also joining the project. The bridge is expected to be completed by 2032. This initiative revives a concept dating back to Roman times and has faced decades of delays and false starts. Despite government support, the project has sparked opposition from environmentalists and local residents concerned about seismic risks and ecological impact. Critics also question the allocation of scarce fiscal resources, noting that the cost is being included in Italy's defense budget. Thousands have protested in Messina against the bridge, emphasizing potential environmental and economic drawbacks. Meanwhile, the project is viewed by some as a major engineering milestone that could redefine transportation infrastructure in Italy and Europe.