Doubling of the Genga-Serra San Quirico Section on the Orte-Falconara Railway Line

Genga (AN), 29 April 2026

Works are progressing at a rapid pace on the doubling of the Genga-Serra San Quirico section along the Orte-Falconara railway corridor (Lot 2 of the “PM228 - Castelplanio” doubling project).

Just over one year after the handover of the works contract, following the completion of excavation works on the natural tunnels “La Rossa” and “Pontechiarodovo”, the last diaphragm of the natural “Valtreara” Tunnel has been broken through, thereby completing the excavation of this structure located in the municipality of Genga (AN).

The achievement of this significant milestone, which brings excavation activities for the 4,228 metres of natural tunnels envisaged under the project to approximately 88% completion, was made possible thanks to the tireless commitment and expertise of our Company, working in close collaboration with the Client RFI, as well as all the engineers, technicians and workers involved.

The Valtreara Tunnel—the first of the six line tunnels planned for Lot 2 - features a single-bore, double-track layout with an overall length of 909 metres. It comprises a 859‑metre natural section and two cut-and-cover sections at the two portals (Orte side and Castelplanio side), measuring 20 metres and 30 metres respectively. The tunnel has been excavated using the conventional tunnelling method.

The doubling of the Genga–Serra San Quirico section - an intervention largely financed through funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) - has an overall length of approximately 9 km, almost entirely built on a new alignment with respect to the historic line. The project will allow an increase in operating speed from the current 85 km/h to a design speed of 165 km/h, as well as an enhancement of line capacity.

The intervention includes the construction of six tunnels, all excavated using conventional methods, with a total length of approximately 5 km; four viaducts with a total length of about 0.8 km; and alternating embankments and cuttings over approximately 3.2 km. The project also envisages the construction of the new Genga railway station, replacing the existing one, and the redevelopment of the areas serving the “Frasassi Caves” tourist site.

A decisive role in the advancement of this project is played by FS Engineering which - working in close synergy with the Client RFI - was responsible for the design, supported RFI throughout the entire permitting and authorisation process, and continues to oversee construction through Construction Management activities up to commissioning and entry into service.