Snam Rete Gas has awarded to Condotte d'Acqua the second section of the Pontremoli-Parma methane gas pipe which includes the 1,263 m-long Montecucchero tunnel, 4.25 m outer diameter and 3.6 m inner diameter, cross section 14.25 sq m, eight percent ascending gradient. Geology consisting of marls and sandstone in layers with variable thickness ranging from a few centimetres to several metres and compression strength of the sandstone that may reach 100 Mpa. The contractor will use a refurbished Lovat TBM previously used in Arezzo to bore four tunnels totalling 7 km. Concrete segmental rings comprising four hexagonal honeycomb 25 cm-thick segments, no key. As the tunnel progresses, the space between the segments and the tunnel face will be filled with cement grout. Basic design and work supervision by Snamprogetti. Project planning by Condotte d'Acqua. Preparatory work under way with tunnelling start planned for January 2003 for completion in May 2003. Installation of the gas pipe and filling of the tunnel with aerated concrete to be completed in November 2003. Cost €6.5 million financed by Snam Rete Gas. Visit www.condottespa.it, www.lovat.com and www.snamretegas.it 45/02.