Italy's Fondovalle Sangro tunnel reaches final phase, enhancing connectivity

The final diaphragm of the natural San Sebastiano tunnel on State Road 652 Fondovalle Sangro was demolished in a ceremony attended by Molise President Francesco Roberti, Abruzzo President Marco Marsilio, ANAS CEO Claudio Andrea Gemme and local mayors. The 2,465‑metre tunnel forms the core of a new 5.7‑km road stretch that will cut travel time between the inland Alto Sangro area and the Adriatic coast to about forty minutes, improving safety and access.

The project, valued at over €200 million, includes five viaducts and extensive hydraulic works. It is intended to strengthen the Adriatic‑Tirrenian axis, support economic development and counter depopulation in the central‑southern Apennines. Completion of the full route is slated for the second half of 2027.