The Brenner Base Tunnel’s tunnel-boring machine (TBM), ‘Virginia’ has completed excavation for the eastern line of the tunnel, arriving at the border of Austria.
This marks the latest milestone in constructing the world’s longest rail tunnel, as part of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
TBM Virginia excavated 14 kilometres under the Alps in less than four years, travelling at a daily average speed of 10.2 metres.
Webuild celebrated this achievement at an event attended by the Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini and Rete Ferroviaria Italiana Chief Executive, Vera Fiorani.
Webuild CEO Pietro Salini said:This work site, the longest railway tunnel in the world, reflects the vision of two countries – Italy and Austria – with the support of Europe for a strategic project.
TBM Virginia has completed its journey, having overcome difficult conditions under the mountain. It has done its job to the satisfaction of the client, public authorities and every one of us who has remained committed to doing our respective jobs the best of way we can every single day.
The 64-kilometre Brenner Base Tunnel will connect Italy and Austria from Fortezza to Innsbruck under the Alps. This connection will reduce travel times by 70 percent, from 80 minutes to 25 minutes.
