Fratelli d'Italia blocks Sicily A18 toll until safety upgrades made

The regional government plans to introduce a toll system on the A18 highway linking Siracusa, Rosolini and Modica, with the concession for toll‑collection infrastructure awarded and the service slated to start in 2028.

Fratelli d'Italia’s local coordinator in Siracusa, Paolo Romano, says the proposal is “deeply wrong” while the road does not meet safety, efficiency and functionality standards. He points to the still‑problematic Cassibile viaduct, recent serious accidents – including one that involved regional president Renato Schifani and his escort – and the need to complete essential works before any fee can be imposed. The party also warns that a toll could divert traffic to the parallel State Road 115, overloading the historic Cassibile bridge beyond its design capacity. The priority, according to Romano, is to secure the entire highway corridor before discussing any toll.