Vivian Mill Initiates Tunnel Base Excavation, as Tav Overseeing the Project

In the heart of Europe, a monumental project is underway, aiming to revolutionise mobility and reduce the environmental impact of freight transport across the continent. The Torino-Lione railway line, part of the Mediterranean Corridor of the EU's Ten-T network, is making significant strides towards its completion.

Telt, a binational public promoter equally owned by the Italian and French states, is responsible for constructing and managing the cross-border section of this freight and passenger railway link. The project's goal is to develop integrated and sustainable mobility, paving the way for a greener future.

The core of the cross-border section is the Moncenisio base tunnel, a 57.5-kilometer long tunnel that is the longest and deepest railway tunnel in the world once completed. Currently, over 44 kilometers of excavation have been completed, representing 27% of the project.

The construction process involves the use of seven Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), each weighing approximately 3,000 tons. The TBM Viviana, 180 meters long and over 3,000 tons, has been built in Germany by Herrenknecht AG and has started digging a 9-kilometer stretch of the base tunnel for the Torino-Lione line, located 600 meters below the town of Saint-Martin-la-Porte.

Four TBMs have already been delivered, while the first of the two intended for the Italian side has been ordered and is under construction. In the coming years, at the peak of activity, the workforce will reach 4,000, and seven TBMs will be operating simultaneously.

The project direction is handled by the Setec / Systra / Italferr consortium with Arx, while the construction sites are managed by the Italo-French consortium CO 6/7, which consists of Vinci Construction Grands Projets (lead), Webuild, Dodin Campenon Bernard, and Campenon Bernard Centre Est.

The Viviana TBM is currently operating in the construction site managed by CO 6/7. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport across the continent, contributing significantly to the EU's goals for a sustainable and integrated transportation network.

Currently, there are 11 active construction sites between Italy and France, employing over 3,000 people. As the project progresses, it not only brings infrastructure development but also job opportunities and economic growth to the region.

In the years to come, the Torino-Lione railway line will be a testament to human ingenuity and a significant step towards sustainable mobility. The project is a shining example of international cooperation, demonstrating what can be achieved when nations work together for a common goal.