Major Progress on the Messina–Catania Line

Webuild has made significant strides in the Messina–Catania railway line project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in eastern Sicily. As of June 2026, the company has completed the 2.7-km Scaletta Tunnel and commenced excavation on the 3.8-km Letojanni Tunnel. These developments are part of a broader effort to double-track the railway line, which is expected to substantially reduce travel times across the region.

The Scaletta Tunnel was constructed using the "Letterìa" tunnel boring machine (TBM), while the Letojanni Tunnel is being excavated with the "Alessia" TBM. The simultaneous advancement of these two tunnels signifies the project's strategic importance to the Italian railway network, particularly in improving service reliability and increasing network capacity.

Once completed, the entire Palermo–Catania–Messina railway project will facilitate travel time reductions of approximately 60 minutes between Palermo and Catania, and 30 minutes between Messina and Catania. These improvements are anticipated to bolster regional mobility, stimulate tourism, and strengthen local economic activities.

The project is part of the European TEN-T Scandinavia–Mediterranean corridor and involves complex geological challenges, necessitating predominantly underground construction methods. The Giampilieri–Fiumefreddo segment, in particular, includes extensive works such as viaducts, tunnels, and a planned underground station in Taormina, which aims to accommodate international tourist traffic while preserving the urban landscape.

Webuild's efforts in southern Italy extend beyond this project, as the company is currently engaged in 20 projects, employing over 10,200 workers and collaborating with approximately 7,500 companies in the supply chain. The initiative also benefits from dedicated industrial facilities, including production units for tunnel segments and training centers for TBM operators.