In a significant leap forward for Tuscany's railway infrastructure, the final stretch of the Serravalle tunnel, spanning approximately 1.6 kilometers, was demolished on November 22, 2023. This marks a crucial step in the track-doubling initiative of the Pistoia-Montecatini Terme route, spearheaded by RFI, the primary company within the Italian FS Group's Infrastructure Pole. 

The doubling efforts along the Pistoia-Montecatini Terme section span around 12 kilometers, largely following the historical track's path. However, a pivotal deviation, known as the Serravalle variant, covering roughly 2 kilometers, necessitated a shift from the existing route. This alteration was crucial for enhancing the track's features, emphasizing higher speeds and reduced gradients. The result: the creation of the new Serravalle double-track tunnel.

Simultaneously, upgrades to the Pistoia and Montecatini Terme stations have been underway, facilitating their connection to the expanded track. A substantial portion of these enhancements has already reached completion.

Beyond its immediate impact on enhancing railway operations, this initiative holds promise for bolstering the network's capacity, aligning with projections outlined in the Tuscany Framework Agreement.

The inauguration of this new railway link is scheduled for the first half of 2025. The total cost of this expansive endeavour amounts to EUR 337 million, with the Region of Tuscany contributing EUR 35 million towards the funding. Notably, in 2015, the Joint Venture comprising Ceprini Costruzioni Srl (as the lead), alongside Cemes SpA and G.C.F. Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie SpA from Orvieto, secured the contract for this transformative project.Visit https://www.rfi.it/. 47/23.