Italy cleared the way Wednesday to build the world’s largest suspension bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily in a massive 13.5 billion euro ($15.5 billion) infrastructure project that has been long delayed by debates over its scale,

After decades of discussion, Italy has finally approved a $15.6 billion project to build the world’s longest suspension bridge. Reportedly, the Straight of Messina suspension bridge is expected to connect Sicily to the Italian mainland region of Calabria.

Italy has given final approval to a long-delayed plan to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the mainland to Sicily in a project worth €13.5bn ($15.5bn).