This construction project covers 23 km of the tunnel toward Modane.

Three tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are excavating the standard sections, while the mountainous areas are being dug using explosives or hydraulic breakers, with concrete reinforcement applied throughout the works. Three access adits provide ventilation, maintenance access and safety systems.

The construction works include two work platforms in Saint-Martin-la-Porte and La Praz for the completion of the 23 km section towards Modane. Safety sites, cross passages, technical facilities, recesses and galleries are currently under construction. The works affect several municipalities: Saint-Martin-la-Porte, Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, Orelle, Saint-André, Villargondran and Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis.

Construction site photos

Key data

23 km

of base tunnel excavated

3

TBMs

65

months of works

625

people employed

Companies involved in the works

        

TELT awarded a €1.43 billion contract to a consortium composed of VINCI Construction Grands Projets (lead contractor), Dodin Campenon Bernard, VINCI Construction France TP Lyon and Webuild. Project management is being carried out by a consortium led by Setec, together with Systra, Italferr and Pini Group.

Project progress

68%

Completed works

Between 2016 and 2022, 10.5 km of the Mont Cenis base tunnel were completed: 9 km excavated mechanically by the TBM Federica, complemented by 1.5 km excavated using conventional methods to cross the most geologically complex zone. Concrete lining and reinforcement works were completed in October 2022.

In parallel, three access adits were built in Saint-Martin-la-Porte and La Praz (totalling more than 7 km), designed to provide ventilation, maintenance access and safety for the future tunnel.

The works were carried out by a Franco-Italian consortium of companies.

All construction updates

La Praz

The first 9 km of the base tunnel completed

The excavation of the first 9 km of the Turin-Lyon base tunnel has ended: the “Federica” ​​boring machine has now broken down the last section of rock and has completed the first phase of the great European infrastructure.

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