Domains
Railways;Tunnel & Underground
Client
TELT SAS
Time frame
Construction cost
€1'430'000'000
Services
- Design
- Construction management
Phases
- Final design
- Tender design
- Construction
Services in JV with partners
The Project
The Tunnel Euralpin Lyon-Turin (TELT), part of the TEN-T transport network, has a main element of the cross-border section linking France and Italy via a 57.5 km high speed railway tunnel. The tunnel crosses various alpine geological units with very heterogeneous conditions and high overburden till 2’000 m, which posed particular technical and design challenges. The tunnel comprises two twin single-track tunnels which are connected by cross-passages every 333 metres. The system is completed by 3 underground emergency and 4 access tunnels. The total excavation length is approximately 160 km. For 75% of the total length, the base tunnel is excavated using different types of TBM, depending on the expected geological risks: Gripper TBMs; Shielded TBMs; Dual Mode TBMs. Other aspects requiring in-depth design studies include logistics and the reutilization of excavated material. The work has been divided into 12 main packages. ARX is playing a major role, participating in the main construction lots both in France and Italy: Lot CO8 - Underground works from the Saint-Julien-Montdenis portal; Lot CO6/7 - Underground works between Saint-Martin-la-Porte and Modane; Lot CO5a - Avrieux ventilation shafts and underground caverns; Lot CO 3/4 – Main Underground work in Italy, Lot CO2 - Civil works in Susa; Lot CO1 - Underground works for the connection of the existing line.
Bringing France and Italy closer together; bringing Europe closer together
Base tunnels aim to level out gradients in order to speed up rail traffic. The TELT base tunnel will accomplish this, reducing travel time from 80 to 25 minutes, while using significantly less energy. Once it is operating, far-reaching environmental benefits will result. Additionally, intermodal transport will increase economic opportunities throughout Europe. The tunnel will be excavated at an altitude of 250 m above sea level and a depth of 1.7 kilometers. The excavated material will then be processed into concrete. Requiring the highest level of technical expertise, the TELT base tunnel also relies on ARX’s gravitas to navigate geopolitical and administrative complexities. Two nations; two ideologies; two sets of laws; one goal.
The TELT base tunnel is one of the world’s longest base tunnels, and the fifth of my career
This one is special in that it passes through the Alps, through little-known valleys, linking two major cities: Lyon and Turin. It strengthens the relationship between France and Italy, bringing neighbors together. This professional adventure is also a human adventure, as over 1’000 people are working every day to bring the decades-long and ambitious project to fruition.
