Renovation Projects of the Year
Manfreida Tunnel Renovation Project
The Manfreida Tunnel renovation, part of the Genoa-Gravellona Toce motorway, adopts the Tunnel Renewal Strategy (TRS), aiming to extend the service life of the tunnel by 50 years. The project involved partially demolishing the existing lining and rebuilding it with innovative materials to improve waterproofing and structural integrity. The renovation is divided into two phases to minimize traffic disruption, using technologies like prefabricated elements and high-performance sprayed concrete. By utilizing a multi-criteria analysis for optimal solutions, the project focuses on safety, minimizing impacts on traffic, and ensuring the long-term resilience of the infrastructure.
Refurbishment Heinenoordtunnel
The Heinenoord Tunnel, constructed in 1969 using the immersed tube method, serves over 110,000 vehicles daily in the Netherlands. The renovation project involves the complete replacement of tunnel technical installations, concrete repairs, and asbestos removal. A significant challenge was the addition of a central gallery for safer escape routes, which was built using prefabricated elements during a four-week period in the summer of 2023. By pretesting and using mock-ups, the work was streamlined to minimize traffic disruptions. Despite closures for necessary works, the project aims to reduce future interruptions, improve tunnel safety, and ensure faster completion. The project is set for completion by December 2024, with a total cost of approximately €200 million.
Genoa Railway Junction Capacity Upgrade
The Genoa Railway Junction upgrade is a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the city's capacity to manage freight and passenger traffic. This renovation includes the construction of several new tunnels and the rehabilitation of abandoned ones, such as the San Tomaso, Polcevera, and Campasso tunnels. Innovations like widening the Facchini Tunnel for larger freight trains and reusing sections of the old Grazie Bassa Tunnel for emergency access improved project sustainability. The project is part of the broader effort to connect the Port of Genoa to the Trans-European Corridor, linking it with Rotterdam. The work ensures the separation of regional and long-haul trains, allowing for more efficient freight and commuter services.