---
title: The Brenner Base Tunnel – Italy
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/projects/the-brenner-base-tunnel-italy/"
type: projects
date_published: 2024-08-30
date_modified: 2024-08-30
schema:
  @type: WebPage
language: en-US
word_count: 572
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/projects/the-brenner-base-tunnel-italy/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/brenner.jpg"
type-market:
  - Large infrastructure
project-market:
  - Tunnels and bridges
  - Tunnels and underground structures
project-service:
  - Design
  - Project Management and Construction
project-location:
  - Italy
---

# The Brenner Base Tunnel – Italy

![The Brenner Base Tunnel – Italy](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/brenner.jpg)

**The Brenner Base Tunnel is one of the longest rail tunnels currently under construction in the world. By 2032, it will enable the Austrian and Italian networks to interconnect under the Alps, with mixed conventional and high-speed connections for freight and passengers.**

In total, for a final structure 64km long from end to end between Innsbruck in
Austria and Fortezza in Italy, 230km of tunnels will have to be bored and built
under the Alpine rock. Once completed, the Brenner Base Tunnel will be the
backbone of the Munich – Verona line.

**A LONG-TERM PROJECT FOR SYSTRA**

SYSTRA’s teams in Italy have been contributing to the construction of the tunnel
since the initial design studies in 2005. Since 2016, they have worked on Lot
Mules 2-3 providing a wide range of engineering services demanding a high level
of technical and professional skills including detailed design of civil works,
TBM selection, General Contractor assistance during the tender phase and during
construction, BIM modelling, MEP design and implementation of value engineering
optimisation measures.

In 2024, BBT SE, the contracting authority, awarded a three-year contract to the
consortium led by Italferr, with SYSTRA and two Austrian design offices (ILF
Consulting Engineers and EUT Engineering) as co-contractors, for engineering
services and rail equipment for the Brenner Base Tunnel. The consortium will be
responsible for the final design of equipment and railway systems.

Together, we will support BBT SE at every stage of the project, with the added
challenge of the tunnel’s cross-border dimension. Each system of railway
equipment will have to comply with the technical regulations in force in Austria
and Italy and guarantee full interoperability with European standards.

**SAFETY FIRST**

In addition to its gigantic size, the Brenner tunnel is characterised by the
requirement for numerous safety measures, inspired by those deployed in the
Channel Tunnel. For example, if a fire broke out in the tunnel, trains would not
have to stop immediately but would have to go to the nearest emergency station.

Passengers would be evacuated to the service tunnel via one of the communication
branches, while the air would be kept cool by the excess pressure in the main
tunnels. Evacuation doors are installed every 90 metres so that passengers can
take refuge, wait for help in the service tunnel, or exit through one of the
access tunnels.

**A STRATEGIC AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECT FOR EUROPE**

This cross-border tunnel is part of the trans-European TEN-T network, which
envisages the creation of a high-capacity high-speed network to encourage the
transport of people and goods by rail across the continent. The aim is to reduce
CO^(2) emissions and promote more sustainable mobility in Europe.

Some examples of projects in Tunnels and bridges, Tunnels and underground
structures, Design, Project Management and Construction

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[  Tanta-El Mansoura-Damietta railway line – Egypt ](https://www.systra.com/en/projects/tanta-mansoura-damietta-railway-line-egypt/)
[  Bari BRT network – Italy ](https://www.systra.com/en/projects/bari-brt-network-italy/)
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[ See a selection of SYSTRA's projects ](https://www.systra.com/en/our-projects/)