The year 2025 marks a crucial turning point for excavation work on the Italian Giovi Terzo Valico rail crossing after a series of setbacks that halted progress in underground construction sites. While the overall picture seems promising—90% of the excavation has been completed—attention has now shifted to the remaining 10%, a segment plagued by complications that have derailed timelines and prevented the completion of this essential infrastructure. The Terzo Valico aims to connect Genoa’s ports to the Po Valley, extending towards northwest Italy and Europe.
A conference organised by Primocanale.it—a platform self-described as “The Website of Liguria”—on 20 January 2025 provided a forum for assessing the current situation and future prospects. The event, attended by local economic and business stakeholders, featured an in-depth report by Calogero Mauceri, the extraordinary commissioner for the Terzo Valico and the Genoa Junction project. The challenges are concentrated in two main segments: the stretch between the Cravasco and Castagnola portals, where twin tunnels span approximately 1,400 metres each, and the Vallemme portal, where excavation has stalled in twin tunnels slightly over one kilometre long.
In the Cravasco-Radimero section, miners encountered squeezing rock formations severe enough to deform and fracture the steel ribs supporting the tunnel lining. Additionally, unexpectedly high concentrations of asbestos-laden rock have been discovered at the Cravasco site, necessitating enhanced safety protocols, including controlled disposal, dust suppression systems, and supplemental ventilation.
At the Radimero site, mechanical tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were brought to a standstill by unfavourable geological conditions. The delays required the disassembly of the TBMs, piece by piece, and the disposal of damaged concrete segments. Compounding these issues, the Vallemme-Radimero segment revealed methane-rich rock formations starting in March 2024. Ensuring safe excavation requires innovative solutions, such as extracting methane through pipelines and deploying micro-explosives after isolating work zones.
As a result of these setbacks, project timelines have inevitably slipped. Commissioner Mauceri candidly acknowledged the delays. In the segment where the TBMs stalled, excavation will proceed using traditional methods, with work resuming on the westbound tunnel in April 2025 and the eastbound tunnel in August 2025. Similarly, work on methane-laden sections will recommence in the eastbound tunnel in May 2025 and the westbound tunnel in June 2025. Interim milestones for 2025 include breaking through the westbound diaphragm between Castagnola and Vallemme by late August and completing the eastbound diaphragm by late December.
However, during the subsequent panel discussion, Commissioner Mauceri delivered a sobering message to attendees hoping for a definitive completion date. Adopting a stance of prudence and realism, he noted that numerous variables continue to complicate the project. Consequently, providing a firm timeline for the Terzo Valico’s inauguration would be premature and speculative. At this stage, 2026 or 2027 remain mere possibilities.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
