By Lynda Myer
On November 22, 2023, the final stretch of the Serravalle tunnel, which has around 1.6 kilometers length, was demolished and marked as a significant leap forward for Tuscany’s railway infrastructure. This marks a crucial step in the track-doubling initiative of the Pistoia-Montecatini Terme route, spearheaded by RFI, the primary company within the Italian FS Group’s Infrastructure Pole.
Following the historical track’s path, the doubling efforts along the Pistoia-Montecatini Terme section stretch almost 12 kilometers. Also, considering that there is a pivotal deviation, known as the Serravalle variant, covering roughly 2 kilometers, a shift from the existing route is necessary. In order to boosting the track’s features, emphasizing higher speeds and reduced gradients, this alteration was crucial, whereas the result was creation of the new Serravalle double-track tunnel.
With aim of facilitating their link to the expanded track, simultaneously upgrades to the Pistoia and Montecatini Terme stations have been underway. A substantial portion of these enhancements has already reached completion.
Along with immediate effect on enhancing railway operations, this initiative is an indication of bolstering the network’s capacity, aligning with projections outlined in the Tuscany Framework Agreement.
The determined date for inauguration of this new railway link is first half of 2025 and the total cost of this expansive endeavor amounts to EUR 337 million, with the Region of Tuscany contributing EUR 35 million towards the funding. Additionally, the contract for this transformative project has been granted by the Joint Venture comprising Ceprini Costruzioni Srl (as the lead), alongside Cemes SpA and G.C.F. Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie SpA from Orvieto in 2015. For further details please visit their website.
