The upgrade of the Palermo–Catania–Messina line will reduce travel times by 60 minutes between Catania and Palermo, and by 30 minutes between Messina and Catania

TBM “Alessia” has completed excavation of eastbound track tunnel section on Taormina/Letojanni–Giampilieri lot of new Messina–Catania line

A total of approximately 2.5 kilometres excavated using a TBM for Forza d’Agrò tunnel. Excavation of more than 3.8-kilometre Letojanni tunnel tobegin shortly

MILAN, February 17, 2026 – A new milestone for mobility in Sicily: the consortium led by Webuild has completed the excavation of the first tunnel for the high-capacity railway doubling of the Messina–Catania line. The breakthrough of the final diaphragm of the Forza d’Agrò tunnel, 2.5 kilometres long, marks the progress of the Taormina/Letojanni–Giampilieri Lot, a project commissioned by RFI (FS Italiane Group) and an integral part of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Once completed, the doubling of the Messina–Catania line will enable a significant reduction in travel times: 45 minutes between Messina and Catania, and about 2 hours between Palermo and Catania –30 and 60 minutes less than current journey times, respectively – offering tangible benefits for both regional and long-distance rail transport, as well as competitiveness of Sicily’s economic system. The project is also financed with PNRR funds.

The lot is one of 20 projects being developed by Webuild in Southern Italy, with a total awarded value of approximately €16 billion, employing 10,200 people – directly and indirectly – and involving 7,500 direct suppliers since the start of activities. 

The construction section stretching from Fiumefreddo (Catania) to Giampilieri (Messina) extends for a total of 42.2 kilometres, 28.4 of which correspond to the Taormina/Letojanni–Giampilieri lot, which include the Forza d’Agrò tunnel. The new alignment, located further inland compared to the historic coastal railway, is designed to enhance the long-term resilience of the infrastructure. The lot includes six twin-bore tunnels, two single-bore tunnels, and seven viaducts. Among the major works is the Sciglio tunnel which, at more than 9 kilometres, will be the longest along the entire segment. To address a highly heterogeneous geological context, the tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) operate in dual-mode to adapt to varying soil conditions, as well as “Beam Scan” technology to ensure continuous geotechnical monitoring during excavation. 

The doubling of the Messina–Catania railway is being carried out by the consortium led by Webuild with partner Pizzarotti. It also involves SELI Overseas, the tunnelling subsidiary responsible for two of the three TBMs being used on the lot, such as TBM “Alessia” that completed the Forza d’Agrò tunnel. The TBM will now be dismantled and prepared for reuse for the Letojanni tunnel, which will be more than 3.8 kilometres long.

Webuild is working on six lots along the Palermo–Catania–Messina route, having completed the Bicocca–Catenanuova section in 2025. The new railway axis is part of TEN-T, linking Northern Europe with the Mediterranean basin and reinforcing Sicily’s strategic role in the continental transport system. In Sicily, the Group is also working on the Ragusa–Catania motorway, a crucial corridor for mobility across the island’s eastern region.

The projects underway are driving infrastructure and economic development across the island, with strong engagement of the local industrial supply chain. This approach also promotes the growth of technical and professional expertise, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. This commitment is already visible through two technologically advanced factories in Belpasso, Catania province, dedicated to producing concrete segments for Sicilian railway tunnels, along with a new plant in Dittaino, Enna province. This industrial effort goes hand in hand with investments in training and hiring new personnel. At the heart of Webuild’s training capacity is the practical training centre in Belpasso, an innovative facility offering both theoretical and hands-on learning. Through the guidance of experienced in-house instructors, specialized external trainers, and the use of TBM equipment and simulators, the centre develops the skills required to operate with the highest standards of quality and safety.