Italy
2023 | ONGOING
Since late 2022, TunnelPro has been involved in the Palermo–Catania project, with particular reference to Lot 1+2 Fiumetorto–Lercara, supporting Ghella in the development of the Technical and Economic Feasibility Design during the tender phase. In 2023, TunnelPro joined the Kassar Consortium, awarded the contract for the works. For each of the four 9.48 m diameter EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) TBMs engaged in the excavation of the two parallel 20 km tunnels forming the Alia twin tunnels, TunnelPro has been responsible for: the preliminary construction planning study; site logistics setup during machine start-up; and the analysis of methodological, logistical, and organizational optimizations related to mechanized tunnelling operations. Throughout numerous technical meetings with the TBM manufacturers — both during the design and construction phases — TunnelPro’s head office engineering department actively contributed to the definition of the technical specifications, ensuring full alignment between the adopted solutions and the functional and operational requirements necessary to deliver the works in compliance with project specifications.
Since 2024, TunnelPro has also been providing specialist consultancy on the geological aspects of the project and ground conditioning strategies, while supporting the site procurement department in the sourcing of materials and equipment. From 2025 onwards, the engineering department has been engaged in the review of detailed design documents, with particular focus on site layout drawings for the storage phase, the definition of the TBM launch procedures, and the preliminary design of the plants and systems required for mechanized excavation.