Ministry allows Region to speed up Palermo-Catania highway works

Last Updated: March 14, 2024

The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, upon the proposal of President Renato Schifani, has identified the Sicilian Region as the competent authority to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures for the modernization of the Palermo-Catania highway. The modernization plan includes extraordinary maintenance works, rehabilitation and modernization of the lanes, installation of safety barriers, consolidation works, road surfacing, vertical and horizontal signage, and other interventions. The Ministry has accepted the request of President and extraordinary commissioner Schifani to streamline the procedures for the modernization plan of the A19 Palermo-Catania highway, by designating the Sicilian Region as the competent authority for conducting the EIA procedures. Through the Via Vas technical and specialized commission, the Region will issue the technical opinion on environmental compatibility. A dedicated working group will be established within the Via Vas commission to specifically address the environmental compatibility assessment of the project. This will expedite the approval process and allow for the swift implementation of strategic interventions within the A19 highway modernization plan. It is estimated that through this delegation, the approval timelines can be reduced by approximately 6 months compared to the 12 months originally planned in the ministerial note.