Projects of the Year (€50 - €500 M)
Brenner Base Tunnel – Lot H52 “Hochstegen”
The Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is a key infrastructure project connecting Fortezza, Italy, to Innsbruck, Austria. Lot H52, the Hochstegen section, involved the construction of 5 km of tunnels, including an exploratory tunnel and main tunnel sections. Innovative solutions were required to manage complex water-bearing geological conditions, using specialized drilling and grouting techniques to stabilize the tunnel. The project is part of the larger Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor, enhancing freight and passenger rail services by significantly reducing travel time and energy consumption. This section of the BBT was completed in December 2023, contributing to a sustainable future by reducing road congestion and environmental impacts.
Lot H71 "Isarco River Underpass" of the Brenner Base Tunnel
Lot H71, part of the Brenner Base Tunnel project, focuses on the challenging Isarco River underpass, where tunnels were constructed with minimal overburden under major infrastructures like the A22 motorway and the Isarco River. Advanced techniques, including artificial ground freezing, were used to stabilize the ground and prevent river displacement. Spanning 6.2 km, the project involved both single- and double-track tunnels. The innovative methods employed not only addressed the complex geological conditions but also ensured the project stayed on time and within budget. Once completed, the Brenner Base Tunnel will connect northern and southern Europe, improving freight and passenger transport across the Alps.
SMP4 – Lyon-Turin Saint-Martin-la-Porte exploratory tunnel
The SMP4 exploratory tunnel is part of the Lyon-Turin rail project, a vital element of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Spanning 12.7 km, the tunnel serves both as a geotechnical investigation and a critical section of the future Mont-Cenis Base Tunnel. The project faced complex geological challenges, including unstable carboniferous formations, which were addressed using innovative methods like bi-component grouting and controlled yielding support systems. The tunnel contributes to the shift from road to rail transport, reducing CO2 emissions and improving the capacity of freight and passenger trains across the Alps. It was completed in September 2022, marking a significant milestone for the broader Lyon-Turin project.