Palermo-Messina doubling works

Home Strategic Projects Palermo-Messina doubling works

The project includes the doubling of the Fiumetorto - Castelbuono route, on the Palermo Messina line, for an extension of about 32 km, divided into two lots:

1st Lot - Fiumetorto - Ogliastrillo (Cefalù) section: track-doubling for an extension of approximately 19 km, mainly developed as a track variant to includes the new Monte Poggio Maria tunnel and the new Lascari station.
2nd Lot - Ogliastrillo (Cefalù) - Castelbuono section: track-doubling of about 13 km, developed entirely as route variant, and consisting mainly of two tunnel sections, the Cefalù Tunnel (TBM-built twin tube), and the S. Ambrogio Tunnel (traditional excavation single tube), in addition to the construction of the new Cefalù stop entirely underground, and the Castelbuono station.

The project has received partial public funding.

FOCUS: Excavation of the Cefalù Tunnel

The TBM is excavating the odd-numbered tube of the Cefalù tunnel; the map below shows the position of the mole head.

TBM position as at 27/01/2025

Average forward speed: 11 m/day
Progress mode: EPB (pressure front)
Average excavation depth from ground level: 56 m
Total excavated length: 3,708 m out of 6,680 m

The excavation of the odd-numbered tunnel is expected to be completed by Q4 2025, after which the TBM will be dismantled and reassembled for subsequent restart of the mechanised excavation on the even-numbered tube.

160 km/h maximum speed

32 total kilometres

1,014 mln € in investments

ADVANTAGES

Capacity increase (from 4 trains/h in both directions to 10 trains/h in each direction).
Improved accessibility to the city of Palermo and the 'Falcone e Borsellino' international airport in Punta Raisi.
Reduction of journey times on the Palermo-Messina connection and improved traffic management.

Work progress

The following sections have been completed:

Cefalù Tunnel - odd track: mechanised excavation and tunnel lining 52% - 3,500 m.
Cefalù Stop - mezzanine floor access tunnel: construction of micropile bulkhead and tie-rods for entrance works.
Carbone 1 and Carbone 2 Viaducts: the viaducts have been settled on the final support and painted. The slab construction is in progress.
S. Ambrogio Tunnel: the tunnel with traditional excavation is completely finished and lined. The recesses construction is in progress.
Access window to the S. Ambrogio Tunnel: completely excavated, lining of the junction area with the line tunnel is nearing completion.
Malpertugio Tunnel: 70% of the traditional excavation has been completed. Consolidation works on the Messina side entrance are currently ongoing.
Castelbuono Station Area: completion of the tunnel entrance bulkhead and of the final SS.113 detour external works are in progress.