Messina-Catania high-capacity railway | Italy

Completed in: ongoing

The Messina–Catania High-Speed/High-Capacity railway project involves Seli Overseas in the mechanized excavation works for the tunnels of Lot 2. The works form part of the Detailed Final Design of the Giampilieri–Taormina railway section, with a total alignment length of approximately 28 km.

The main underground works are being constructed using two EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) Tunnel Boring Machines. Excavation progresses from Messina towards Catania, with the Sciglio and Forza d’Agrò construction sites operating as primary logistical and operational hubs.

Sciglio Tunnel
The Sciglio Tunnel consists of twin single-track tubes with a total length of approximately 9.2 km. The scope of works includes:
• mechanized excavation;
• installation of the precast segmental lining;
• backfilling behind the segments;
• construction of the invert concrete for a total development of approximately 18 km (two parallel tubes of about 9 km each).

Excavation is carried out using the TBM “Igea”, a Dual Mode machine capable of adapting operating parameters to varying geological conditions encountered along the alignment.

Forza d’Agrò and Letojanni Tunnels
The TBM “Alessia” is responsible for the excavation and lining of more than 12 km of tunnels in total. Specifically:
• Forza d’Agrò Tunnel: 2.4 km (twin tubes);
• Letojanni Tunnel: 3.8 km (twin tubes).
Both structures consist of two parallel single-track tunnels. The works include:
• EPB TBM excavation;
• installation of the precast segmental lining;
• backfilling behind the segments;
• construction of the invert concrete.

In February 2026, TBM Alessia completed excavation of the tube designated for the even track within the Forza d’Agrò Tunnel.