Italy's Infrastructure Push: Webuild Lands €531 Million Contract for Key Calabrian Road Project

Italy's Infrastructure Push: Webuild Lands €531 Million Contract for Key Calabrian Road Project

In a significant boost to Southern Italy's infrastructure development, the construction conglomerate Webuild has been awarded a €531 million contract for the first lot of the SS106 Jonica state road upgrade in Calabria. The project, commissioned by ANAS (FS Italiane Group), underscores a continued investment in modernizing the region's transport network.

The awarded section will span approximately 17 kilometers, connecting the Coserie Viaduct to the West Corigliano interchange. Its scope is substantial: 15 viaducts, three overpasses, and a 1.4-kilometer twin-tube tunnel. During peak construction, the site is expected to employ up to 500 workers, drawing on expertise from the adjacent, nearly 80% complete Mega Lot 3 segment of the same highway.

This contract cements Webuild's dominant role in the region's construction landscape. The company is now involved in 20 projects across Southern Italy and the islands, with a combined value of around €16 billion. These initiatives collectively support an estimated 9,500 jobs and engage 7,500 direct suppliers.

Technology and Sustainability Focus

Webuild states the project will integrate technologies aimed at improving safety, minimizing environmental impact, and enabling digital site management. A dedicated monitoring system will be implemented once the infrastructure is operational. Upon completion of all its contracted lots, Webuild's contribution will total roughly 55 kilometers of new roadway along the SS106 Jonica corridor.

The broader Mega Lot 3 project, a cornerstone of the Calabrian upgrade, currently involves about 1,200 workers and a supply chain of over 880 companies—45% of which are based locally in Calabria.

In a related development, Webuild has also recently secured the contract for the Paola-Cosenza Doubling railway project, part of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria high-speed line, which includes constructing more than 22km of track and the 15km Santomarco Tunnel.

Expert Reactions

Marco Bianchi, Infrastructure Analyst, Milan: "This award is consistent with Webuild's strategic focus on complex, large-scale projects in Italy. The SS106 is a vital artery for Calabria, and its modernization is long overdue. The economic ripple effect, through local suppliers and employment, is a tangible benefit for the Mezzogiorno."

Elena Conti, Regional Development Economist, Cosenza: "While the investment is welcome, the real test will be in execution and long-term maintenance. Southern Italy has seen projects stall or under-deliver. The promised technologies for environmental protection and efficiency must be more than just buzzwords in the press release."

Luca Ferrari, Civil Engineer & Blogger: "Another half-billion euros to a giant contractor while our local firms scramble for subcontracts. The 'thousands of jobs' are often temporary and precarious. When will we see this scale of investment in public transit or repairing our crumbling existing roads instead of just building new ones for cars?"

Giovanna Russo, ANAS Project Coordinator: "This contract moves us decisively toward completing a safer, more modern coastal route. The technical challenges, like the twin-tube tunnel, require a contractor of Webuild's proven capability. It's a critical step in improving both daily commutes and regional logistics."

This report is based on information released by the involved parties and public statements. The original news was first published by World Construction Network.