SIS Secures €107m Contract for Catania Metro Expansion in Sicily
SIS, a consortium of Fininc (51%) and Sacyr (49%), has been awarded a major contract for the construction of a key section of the Catania Metro in Sicily.
With a value of €107.5 million, this project cements SIS’s reputation for delivering transformative infrastructure projects in Italy and beyond.
The contract, awarded by Ferrovia Circumetnea—an agency under the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport—focuses on the development of the Monte Po to Misterbianco section. This segment includes two strategically located underground stations: one in Misterbianco’s city centre and the other in the bustling Corso Marx shopping district.
Spanning 2.2 kilometres of underground works, the project will deploy a variable density Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). This advanced technology ensures enhanced safety and efficiency by using bentonite slurry to stabilise the tunnel face during excavation, particularly in challenging soil conditions. Importantly, this section connects directly to another SIS project: the Misterbianco to Paterno stretch, making it a pivotal piece in completing the metro network.
By linking Catania’s northeastern suburbs with its downtown core, this expansion promises to revolutionise urban and intercity mobility. The result? Faster commutes, reduced congestion, and a more connected Catania.
Misterbianco-Paterno Project
SIS is already heavily invested in the adjacent 10.6-kilometre Misterbianco to Paterno metro extension, an endeavour valued at approximately €532 million. This ambitious project encompasses four underground sections, four outdoor stretches, and five stations: Giaconia, Belpasso, Valcorrente, Gullotta, and Paterno.
Moreover, plans include an optional 900-metre extension from the Ardizzone tunnel to Paterno station, complete with a train depot. Should this additional segment proceed, the overall project length would increase to 11.5 kilometres, raising the total investment to €656 million.
Notably, the project incorporates two strategically located depots—one in Belpasso and another in Ardizzone—to support efficient train operations. Once completed, this metro line will be a game-changer for residents and businesses, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
A Strategic Market for Sacyr
Italy has emerged as a priority market for Sacyr, one of the key players in the SIS consortium. The company currently manages four high-profile P3 (Public-Private Partnership) highway projects in the country:
- Pedemontana-Veneta Motorway
- A-3 Naples-Pompeii-Salerno
- Via del Mare
- A21/A-5 motorway connection
In addition to its transport infrastructure portfolio, Sacyr is making waves in the healthcare and innovation sectors. Last October, SIS secured the Parco della Salute, della Ricerca e dell’Innovazione di Torino (Turin Health, Research, and Innovation Complex) project. This multifunctional development will include a cutting-edge hospital and a university campus.
The consortium is also working on the Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Polyclinic Hospital in Milan, further solidifying its role as a leader in Italy’s infrastructure development.
A Global Leader in Infrastructure
Sacyr Concesiones, a powerhouse in infrastructure development, holds the third spot globally in transport infrastructure concessions, according to PWF magazine. The company’s diversified portfolio spans the globe, with a total valuation of €3.55 billion.
By combining technical expertise with innovative financing models, Sacyr has successfully delivered projects that not only meet but exceed stakeholder expectations. This latest metro contract is yet another feather in its cap, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions.
Advanced Technology for Safer and Faster Construction
A standout feature of this metro expansion is the deployment of the variable density TBM. This state-of-the-art equipment is designed to adapt to complex geological conditions, ensuring optimal safety during tunnel excavation. By regulating the density and pressure of the slurry, the TBM mitigates risks associated with unstable soils, allowing for uninterrupted progress.
Such technology underscores SIS’s dedication to innovation and safety, setting new benchmarks for infrastructure projects worldwide.
A Bright Future for Catania
The Catania Metro expansion is more than just a transportation project; it’s a vision for the future of urban mobility. By connecting suburban and urban areas seamlessly, the project will reduce travel times, ease traffic congestion, and foster economic development across the region.
Moreover, with Italy prioritising sustainable and efficient public transport solutions, the metro’s expansion aligns perfectly with national goals. The project also highlights SIS’s and Sacyr’s ability to deliver large-scale, impactful infrastructure that transforms communities.
Driving Progress and Sustainability
The Monte Po to Misterbianco metro extension, alongside the larger Misterbianco-Paterno project, signifies a major leap forward for Catania. With cutting-edge technology, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, SIS is paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future.
As Italy continues to invest in transformative infrastructure, projects like these showcase the power of public-private partnerships in achieving ambitious goals. For SIS and Sacyr, the Catania Metro is yet another example of their capacity to deliver projects that truly make a difference.
