Work continues on the High Speed / High Capacity Naples - Bari line, with the completion of excavation of the Casalnuovo tunnel on the Naples - Cancello section, with Direction of Works by Italferr.
This is the first time that hyperbaric excavation has been used in Italy, an innovative technique that uses compressed air to isolate the work area from ground water, making it possible to excavate under dry conditions.
Excavating in a hyperbaric atmosphere is an advanced, sustainable technique the makes it possible to form tunnels below the water table, using compressed air to keep the water back. This methods means that the tunnel can be excavated and lined without water being involved, by keeping the worksite pressurised, effectively isolating the work areas from any liquid seeping in. This approach also ensures significant environmental benefits, avoiding contact between the underground water and cementitious mixtures or chemical additives.
Laying of tracks continues on the Naples - Cancello lot, with more than 10 km completed and works expected to be finished by the end of summer. This section will come into service early in 2026, allowing HS/HC Naples-Bari trains to go as far as Napoli Afragola, set to become a strategic North-South hub. The new Acerra and Casalnuovo stations will also be in operation, improving access to high speed trains in the Neapolitan metropolitan area.