Wedoany.com Report-May 24, Italian construction firm Webuild has begun work on a section of the Ragusa-Catania motorway, a vital transportation link along Sicily’s eastern coast. Commissioned by ANAS, a division of FS Italiane Group responsible for Italy’s road and motorway network, this project is part of a broader initiative that includes eight projects to enhance the Palermo-Catania-Messina railway line, improving connectivity across Sicily.

Construction of the Ragusa-Catania Motorway Section (Lot 1) is underway.

The Ragusa-Catania motorway, developed for RFI, the railway infrastructure arm of FS Italiane Group, aims to reduce travel times between Sicily’s major cities. The motorway project features the construction of the Vallone delle Coste Viaduct, a reinforced concrete structure connecting the provinces of Ragusa, Catania, and Syracuse. This viaduct will improve travel efficiency and road safety for both commuters and freight transport. Construction of Lot 1 is progressing, with foundational and vertical elements of the viaduct currently underway.

Concurrently, the Palermo-Catania-Messina railway project, part of the TEN-T European rail corridor, is advancing. Spanning 200km of new track and utilizing 19 tunnel boring machines (TBMs), the railway will significantly shorten travel times. Upon completion, the journey from Palermo to Catania will take two hours, and from Messina to Catania, 45 minutes. On Lot 4b (Nuova Enna-Dittaino), TBMs Atena and Demetra are being readied to excavate the Sicani tunnels. On Lot 4A (Caltanissetta Xirbi-Nuova Enna), a new TBM will begin work on the Trinacria tunnel from the Catania-side portal. Lot 6 (Bicocca-Catenanuova) is nearing completion, with 38km of track installation and electrification works in progress.

Webuild emphasized its commitment to local employment, expecting to create approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs. The company has established a training center in Belpasso, offering a mix of theoretical and practical instruction to prepare local workers. Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild, stated: “We are proud to contribute to Sicily’s infrastructure, creating jobs and improving connectivity for communities.” ANAS representative Aldo Isi added: “This project enhances Sicily’s transport network, delivering faster and safer travel for residents and visitors.”

In June 2024, Webuild completed the first segment of the railway doubling between Catania Bicocca and Catenanuova stations, marking a significant milestone for Rete Ferroviaria Italiana. These developments underscore Webuild’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in Sicily.