Arquata Scriva, 20 November 2023 – The Italian Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi, made a visit this morning at the Val Lemme and Radimero construction sites of the Terzo Valico dei Giovi. It was an opportunity for him to directly see how the work is progressing, despite the difficulties raised by the geological configuration of the tunnels. 

"The Italian government is committed to addressing the difficulties over the construction of the largest railroad project in Europe. The funds will be PNRR ones. It is precisely this constraint that will push the companies involved to rapidly proceed on closing the work. We have now reached 86 percent of the total work. In the next few months, we will touch 90 percent. We are very close," said the Italian Deputy Minister Rixi.

"We have noted the objective difficulties and the complexity of excavating this part of the tunnel. For this, we must thank the technicians and workers, who are working hard, every day, to continue with the construction of such a complex work. On our part, we must first ensure safety," Italian Commissioner Mauceri stressed. 

Specific provisions were included in Italian Legislative Decree 104/2023 (Asset Decree) to overcome contractual difficulties and speed up works. To this end, an additional 700 million euros were added for the implementation of technical variants (consequent to the new technical and safety regulations) and due to the geological difficulties. 

The Commissioner, along with technicians, RFI representatives and the consortium that is contracting the work, emphasized that "excavations, in recent months, have continued despite the encountered geological difficulties."

"The tunnels of the Genoa Junction have been completed. Within 15 to 18 months, based on current forecasts, excavation works of what will be Italy's longest rail tunnel will be completed," assured Webuild Group (general contractor) Senior Executive Operations Rail Nicola Meistro. 

Also present, in addition to the already mentioned Italian Deputy Minister Rixi and Commissioner Calogero Mauceri: Marco Gabusi (Piedmont Regional Councilor for Transportation), Enrico Bussalini (President of the Province of Alessandria), along with Vincenzo Macello (RFI Deputy Director of Operations) and Nicola Meistro (Webuild Group Senior Executive Operations Rail).