Webuild starts work on key viaduct for Ragusa-Catania Motorway in Sicily

A new step forward for modern and efficient mobility in Sicily: Webuild has begun construction on the most significant section of the Ragusa–Catania motorway, a key corridor for road transport along the island’s eastern coast. This road project, commissioned by ANAS (FS Italiane Group), joins seven others for the doubling of the Palermo–Catania–Messina high-capacity railway line. This railway infrastructure initiative, carried out on behalf of RFI (FS Italiane Group), aims to drastically reduce travel times between Sicily’s main cities. It includes 200 kilometres of new railway line for which Webuild will deploy 19 large tunnel boring machines. Webuild is helping drive this transformation of Sicily’s transport network by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local employment, with a total of 7,000 direct and indirect jobs expected across the eight projects.

On Lot 1, work is underway on the foundations and vertical structures of the Vallone delle Coste Viaduct. This reinforced concrete viaduct is the most significant structure along the route and will connect the provinces of Ragusa, Catania, and Syracuse. The project will improve travel times for both people and goods, while also enhancing road safety and overall service quality.

Work is also progressing on the Palermo–Catania–Messina route, part of the broader development of the TEN-T European rail corridor. Once complete, the new line will cut travel times significantly: just 2 hours between Palermo and Catania, and 45 minutes between Messina and Catania. On Lot 4B, two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are being assembled: TBM Atena, nearly ready to begin excavation on one of the two Sicani tunnels, and TBM Demetra, currently being assembled for the second tunnel.

A few kilometres away, on Lot 4A , parts of a new TBM have arrived at the construction site for the Trinacria tunnel after being shipped to the Port of Augusta. This massive machine will begin excavation from the Catania-side portal, driving one of the tunnels along the Palermo–Catania route.

Lot 6 Bicocca-Catenanuova is nearing completion: following the installation of the tracks, work is now underway to electrify the line. The lot covers the doubling of approximately 38 kilometres of railway, partly alongside the existing single-track line and partly through the construction of a new double track.




The ongoing projects are having a direct impact not only on the island’s infrastructure development but also on its economy, involving a supply chain of around 1,700 companies since work began. This approach is also fostering the growth of technical and professional skills, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. A clear example of this is the two high-tech factories already operating in Belpasso, in the province of Catania, for the production of precast segments used in railway tunnels. A third factory will soon be added in Dittaino, in the province of Enna.

This industrial commitment goes hand in hand with Webuild's focus on training and hiring new personnel. At the heart of the Group's training efforts is the practical training centre in Belpasso, an innovative space that combines theoretical and hands-on learning. With the support of experienced in-house instructors, specialized external trainers, and the use of equipment and TBM simulators, the centre helps develop the skills needed to operate according to the highest standards of quality and safety.

www.webuildgroup.com