Fehmarnsundbrücke between the Fehmarn island and mainland, Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

Construction of Europe's longest combined road and rail bridge is likely to start within weeks if, as expected, German parliamentarians vote in favour of the scheme tomorrow.

The new connection between the Baltic Sea islands of Fehmarn in Germany and Lolland in Denmark is intended to speed up traffic and promote trade between Scandinavia and the European mainland.

The Guardian, 17 June 2009