Terzo Valico dei Giovi: reopening of the railway line between Tortona and Novi Ligure

The inauguration of the first 8,5 km of the new line between Tortona and Novi Ligure marks recommencement of the passenger service, as well as reactivation of the commercial service provided by regional trains on the Arquata Scrivia – Novi Ligure – Milan line.

On Monday 15 January 2024, six Trenord regional trains were once again in service between Tortona and Novi Ligure, also stopping at Pozzolo Formigaro: three pairs of trains that, at peak commuter times, will allow passenger transport to recommence.

There are also benefits for freight traffic thanks to the new Rivalta Scrivia stop, the new Regulatory Plan for Rivalta Scrivia station, and the Terzo Valico intersection in Tortona and on the Alessandria-Piacenza route, allowing freight trains to get to the new Rivalta Scrivia stop as well as facilitating development of the interport, which is an essential logistical hub for the territory. The works done at Rivalta Scrivia, with 4 new 750 metre lines and double access to the (RTE and Interport) junctions at the station, provide a significant increase in the stop's capacity, as well as stopping spaces for longer trains.

Besides the new section of line, the works also included complete redevelopment of the freight hub, as well as execution of all technological interfacing works, and commissioning of two new latest generation technological units for managing railway traffic.

Various work phases are planned to attain full activity of and accessibility to the freight hub, which will make it possible to equip the railway junction with a modern fire-fighting system for transporting dangerous goods, thereby increasing its market capacity. In addition, new roofs, subways, and platforms will be built at Rivalta Scrivia station, making it more accessible and usable from as early as 2024, with particular care being given to situations of disability or reduced mobility.

The Single Terzo Valico dei Giovi - Genoa Junction Project will allow trains to reach 250 km/h, linking Genoa to Alessandria and the city of Milan. This work is of significance for rail traffic in Northern Italy, as well as being of strategic importance for the whole of Europe. The new rail link will be especially advantageous for the Port of Genoa, but will also upgrade the Rhine-Alps corridor on the TEN-T Transeuropean Transport Network, offering a preferential freight route all the way to the port of Rotterdam, while also providing environmental benefits.