The Italferr team completes blasting of the Taormina boulders

On 18 May 2025, the Italferr team completed the blasting of two unsafe rocky outcrops, as part of the project to double the Giampilieri-Fiumefreddo rail line, Lot 1 Fiumefreddo-Taormina/Letojanni, at the exit of the future underground station.

This important goal was achieved thanks to the commitment of the workers and engineers, under the constant supervision of Italferr's Works Management and Safety Coordinator, which fostered a reduction of the original timeframe provided by the works schedule.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the operation, specialised companies were brought in for the controlled blasting of the rocky slope, which required:

• the preliminary drilling of 166 holes, ranging in length from 1.40 m to 20 m, for housing the explosive charges;
• the installation of rockfall barriers, to protect the buildings, and nets to contain the larger boulders in excess of approximately 3,000 cubic metres.

The specific nature of the operation has highlighted the importance of the collaboration between all the actors and entities involved, once again turning the spotlight on Italferr's extensive engineering know-how and expertise at national level.