The CSIC Distinguished Lecture 2025, delivered by Andrea Pigorini, Director of the Infrastructure Engineering Department at Italferr – Italian State Railway Group, offered an in-depth look at the design, construction, and ongoing evolution of Italy’s high-speed rail network.
Titled “Italian High-Speed Rail: Experience and Data from 1,000 km through Bologna, Florence and the Apennines – Shaping the next 1,000 km towards southern Italy,” the lecture traced the development of more than 1,000 km of high-speed lines that form the backbone of Italy’s north–south transport corridor, connecting Turin to Salerno and transforming national mobility.
Mr. Pigorini shared valuable insights drawn from over 35 years of professional experience in tunnelling and major infrastructure projects. He discussed how design innovation, advanced monitoring, and engineering excellence have defined Italy’s approach to crossing both urban and mountainous terrain — with tunnelling works representing more than 20% of the network.
The lecture also explored how extensive monitoring data collected during excavation and operation are informing safer, more efficient design strategies. Comparing traditional double-track tunnels with newer twin single-track bores, Mr. Pigorini illustrated how European safety standards have shaped the evolution of railway tunnel design.
Looking ahead, he outlined how lessons from Italy’s existing network are guiding the next phase of high-speed development towards southern Italy, further expanding connectivity and sustainability across the country through infrastructure solutions featuring long underground sections with more than 50% of the alignment build in tunnel.
Mr. Pigorini’s distinguished career includes leading roles in the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel, presidency of the Italian Tunnelling Society, and his upcoming tenure as President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES) for the 2025–2028 term.
The event took place on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge.
To watch the recording of the lecture – visit the CSIC YouTube Channel.