Improving access to international port of Ancona
The start of construction was celebrated during a formal ceremony attended by the president of the Marche region, Francesco Acquaroli, local authorities and project stakeholders, highlighting the importance of the initiative for the region’s connectivity and economic development.
Commissioned by ANAS, Italy’s national road authority, the Design & Build-project is being delivered by the Donati-BESIX joint venture. It involves the design and construction of a 3.3-kilometre road link connecting the port to the Strada Statale 16 ‘Adriatica’ bypassing the narrow passage through the village of Torrette. The works include two excavated tunnels and a 285-metre viaduct and are expected to take 43 months . The total investment of ANAS in this project is €150 million.
Engineering excellence for 470-metre tunnel
A standout feature of the project is the improved construction methodology proposed by Donati-BESIX for the 470-metre Torrette 1 tunnel. Rather than applying the cut & cover method —a process that would have required extensive soil removal and surface disruption—the team proposed a solution with an excavated tunnel with, on the location with the lowest ground coverage, stabilization of the excavation front through consolidation from above. This smart approach reduces CO₂ emissions, minimises noise and dust pollution, and avoids the need to reroute the road above, including the important cables and ducts positioned next to it.
This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and intelligent engineering. We are proud that the methodology for the Torrette 1 tunnel was a decisive factor in securing this contract. It reflects our broader expertise in delivering complex infrastructure works across Europe. We are looking forward to continuing our strong partnership with Donati, as demonstrated in the Valfabbrica project. - Nico de Koning, Resident Manager for BESIX in Italy
Angelica Donati, Managing Director at Donati:
“We are delighted to begin work on this landmark project, which stands out for its technical innovation and environmental sensitivity – qualities that are increasingly essential in modern infrastructure development and which were central to our joint proposal. It is a pleasure to renew our collaboration with BESIX once again.”
Second major collaboration between BESIX and Donati
This is the second major collaboration between BESIX and Donati in Italy in recent years, following their work on the SS 318 Valfabbrica project. Their continued partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence in delivering large-scale, high-impact infrastructure.
As construction begins, the project is expected to bring long-term benefits to the Marche region by enhancing the efficiency of freight and passenger transport to and from the port, supporting local industry, and reinforcing Ancona’s role as a key logistics hub on the Adriatic coast.
