Benevento, 5 May 2026
As part of the new Naples-Bari AV/AC line, the Apice-Hirpinia section represents an infrastructure segment of approximately 18 km, designed to increase railway capacity and operational regularity in Southern Italy. The project alternates underground works with elevated structures and includes the construction of three double-track line tunnels (for a total of about 13 km) and four viaducts crossing the valleys of the Ufita River. The contract also includes Hirpinia station and the new Apice stop.
Among the underground works, the Rocchetta Tunnel (GN03) is the longest structure along this section. Approximately 6.5 km long, it was excavated using a large-diameter mechanized Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named “Futura” (about 12 m in diameter).
On 5 May 2026, the TBM “Futura” achieved breakthrough at the BA-side portal of the tunnel, marking the completion of the excavation phase and enabling the subsequent installation of systems and equipment.
The mechanized excavation carried out by the EPB-type TBM “Futura” began from the Apice-side portal between September and October 2024. Progress took place within a challenging geomechanical and hydrogeological context, with overburden depths of up to approximately 450 m in the central sector. This required careful and continuous monitoring by FS Engineering’s Construction Supervision, with constant control of excavation progress and parameters, as well as continuous calibration of operating methods to ensure face stability and lining quality.
An intensive monitoring activity was carried out, both about excavation progress and hydraulic interferences, making it possible to complete the works safely and in line with the expected performance requirements.
In terms of production, TBM “Futura” recorded an average advance rate of around 11–12 m per day, completing the excavation over a total period of 563 days.
Completing the overview of the underground works along this section are the Grottaminarda Tunnel (approximately 2 km long), completed in September 2024, and the Melito Tunnel, whose excavation activities are scheduled to start next autumn.
FS Engineering’s contribution proved to be decisive, ensured through the highly qualified Construction Supervision, constant management control and integration by the PM Napoli 1 Project Group, together with the expert skills of the technical structures. This contribution took shape through the integration of geotechnical and specialist expertise in underground works, environmental and multidisciplinary competencies, guaranteeing high standards of safety, quality, environmental protection and sustainability—also thanks to the support of digitalization through BIM technologies for the structured collection of production data, traceability of controls and reporting.
The breakthrough event on 5 May 2026 represents an important milestone, as it marks a key design achievement that, in addition to completing the work, contributes to meeting the targets set under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.