Elena Nencini
In the works planned for the strengthening of the port hub of Ravenna, some works have been foreseen to lighten the freight traffic on the Ravenna station: the works, carried out by RFI (Italian railway network) have included the replacement of the Teodorico overpass which now allows the passage of freight trains used for the transport of semi-trailers or entire trucks, as well as the redevelopment work of the underpass at the head of Candiano.
Authorizations are underway for the new left and right Candiano freight stations, the first will contribute to lightening train traffic from the port to the Ravenna railway station while the second will serve the new terminal on the Pensaroli peninsula.
With these two new stops, freight trains will avoid the intermediate stop at the Ravenna railway station. Good news also for the project relating to the underpass which will replace the level crossing in Via Canale Molinetto.
Answering our questions is Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), leader of the Infrastructure Hub of the FS Italiane Group, which takes stock of the work that the Group has to face in Ravenna.
The final green light has been given to the goods yard on the left side of the Candiano canal, what are the next steps and when will the works start?
«The approval process for the definitive project is underway by the Port Authority of the port of Ravenna. The conclusion is linked to the outcome of the preliminary assessment by the MISE on the need or otherwise to subject the intervention to an environmental compatibility procedure. The awarding of the contract and the subsequent start of the works will follow.”
How is the authorization process for the right side channel proceeding?
«The development of the technical-economic feasibility project is underway, followed by the project approval process by the Port Authority of the port of Ravenna. The start of this process is expected at the beginning of 2025.”
Have there been any changes to the project from a year ago?
«The project for the intervention on the left Candiano has not undergone any changes compared to a year ago. The 7 new tracks are confirmed (in addition to the 5 existing ones), the adaptation to a 750 m module of track VI, in line with the maximum length of freight trains circulating on the national network, the electrification and centralization of all 12 tracks , the creation of a new service station equipped with a computerized central apparatus for managing circulation in the plant”.
Has RFI’s investment on the two railway lines to the left and right of the Candiano canal changed or is it still 95 million euros?
«The cost of the investment is currently confirmed, without prejudice to the verification (and possible update) at the end of the ongoing planning and authorization phases of the interventions».
A project has been approved for the construction of the vehicle underpass to replace the level crossing in Via Canale Molinetto. Are there any start time predictions?
«A new project has been drawn up, with a roundabout at the exit of the underpass on the Via dei Poggi side, which is currently awaiting approval from the Municipality of Ravenna. The new project also incorporates the other indications that emerged in the Services Conference”.
Does RFI have any other works planned for Ravenna?
“Work is underway to redevelop the station and improve accessibility.”
