The TBM 1412, an EPB with a diameter of 9.48 m, set to excavate Fiumetorto - Lercara Diramazione section (Lot 1+2), as part of the Palermo-Catania-Messina railway line project, has successfully completed its FAT in China.  The TBM EPB ATEX with another identical TBM, will be used to bore the bitube, mono rail and 19.9km long Alia tunnel, from the Palermo side adit.

The project is part of the improvement of the High - Capacity rail line between Palermo and Catania. Lot 1+2 Fiumetorto - Lercara Junction will include tunnel Alia, more than 2km of road and rail viaducts, more than 7 km of roads, and 3 stations. Valle del Torto station will be built and the other two, Cerda and Lercara, will be upgraded. 

The JV will apply systems to recover and reuse rainwater and water used in industrial processes. Four TBMs will be used for the excavation. The stations will be equipped with systems to ensure a more efficient use of water and the capture of rain.

The new Palermo-Catania-Messina railway is a strategic project for Sicily and Italy. It will make the transport of people and freight faster and more effective across the island, reducing travel times between Palermo and Catania by one hour, to two hours.   Click here, it/36 and  it/267 for tunnelbuilder archive about Palermo-Catania section;  it/115 for tunnelbuilder archive about Catania-Messina section, HC Palermo-Catania-Messina railway. Visit https://www.ghella.com/en/. 30/24.