PAVONCELLI-BIS HYDROPOWER TUNNEL

The first Pavoncelli hydraulic tunnel was excavated between 1904 and 1915 with the aim of co-opting fresh water from Campania region and supply the Apulia region. The tunnel experienced severe damages during the Irpinia-Lucanian earthquake occurred in 1980 such that its capability was seriously compromised. To restore its full capacity, a new by-pass tunnel was then required to be constructed close the existing one, as part of the same Sele-Calore aqueduct. The design of the new tunnel was undertaken by a team of designers leads by Cotecchia. The new tunnel with about 10km length and 4m of diameter was concluded in October 2017.