Works on the Italian rail network awarded EU co-funding

The European Union will co-finance with almost €15 million from the TEN-T Programme two projects to improve two key sections of the Italian railway network.

The first project, selected under the 2012 TEN-T Annual Programme, will receive €8.1 million to upgrade the Orte-Falconara line, linking the “Railway axis Berlin-Verona/Milano-Bologna-Napoli-Messina-Palermo” (TEN-T Priority Project 1) to the Adriatic Main Line.

Specifically, it includes completion of the works to double the track on the two following sections:

• Spoleto-Campello (total length of roughly 10 km). The new line will run partly alongside the existing railway and partly along a new alignment through an artificial tunnel. This section also includes some improvements to the Spoleto Station and the transformation of the Campello station into a stop.
• Castelplanio-Montecarotto (total length of 6.2 km). Works also include some improvements to the Castelplanio and Montecarotto stations.

Completion of these works will contribute to the overall elimination of bottlenecks along the route and bring socio-economic benefits to the region.

The second project, also selected for funding under the 2012 TEN-T Annual Programme, will receive almost €6.6 million of co-financing to double a section from Lunghezza to Guidonia, including some works at the Bagni di Tivoli stop and the Guidonia Collefiorito station, as well as some elements of the new Ponte di Nona stop.

As a result of the works, the rail capacity in the highly populated metropolitan area of Rome will be increased, leading to more efficient and effective rail transport overall.

The projects will be monitored by the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA) and are set to be completed by the end of 2015.