This branch line, connected to the Ancona - Bologna main, is actually dismissed (from January 1987).

As general rule, it is important to remember that a closed railway, left without traffic nor maintenance, may be affected with heavy damage to rails, ties, buildings etc., so that only with expensive rebuilding it is possible to reuse it.

First operational step of our association will be an agreement with F.S. (Italian State Railways) and local councils in order to partially reopen the Fano - Urbino as a tourist line, with the secret hope to a fully operational status. Furthermore, the nearby industrial facilities could need, in the next future, a rail link to the Adriatic line as an answer to the ever increasing transportation demand and roads congestion.

Actually, rumors have arisen about rebuilding of the line from Fano to Fabriano (on the trans-appennine Ancona - Rome) following an entirely new route through the Tarugo range.

Another operative solution may be offered by the long timed realization of the Venice - Rome main line corridor that will utilize the never opened Rimini - S. Giovanni Marignano - Urbino - Pergola stretch, across the heart of Montefeltro region.

At this moment we guess that the most practical way to re-launch the old Fano - Urbino line is a moderate tourist utilization with the employment of draisines (rail bikes) or/and other light rolling stock as it happens in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. There, several closed branches have got outstanding success through public patronage and much welcome support from local authorities.

The "Ferrovia della Valle Metauro" has a very strong suitability to tourist utilization, being laid along one of the most scenic valley in the Marche region.The closeness of some naturalistic and geological places as the Furlo gorge and Cesane range acts as an ideal starting point for hikers, enthusiasts and students; some of the existing stations could be reconverted to rest or recreational areas. Such use of the railway will be possible only after freeing the rails from grass, bushes and little trees.

For more information please contact me.