The First Segment of TAP’s Micro-Tunnel in Albania is Completed
TAP successfully completed the 560-metre Eastern segment of its micro-tunnel in the Skrapari region. The tunnel avoids impact on the Osumi River and a newly constructed bypass road.
Tirana, Albania. At the end of April, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) successfully completed the first segment of its micro-tunnel in the Skrapari region. Approximately two months since works started, the boring machine finished digging the 560-metre Eastern micro-tunnel segment.
TAP’s contractor Spiecapag and subcontractor Bessac managed to complete this phase in line with the project schedule and without any incidents. The micro-tunnel is constructed using state-of-the-art technology, which ensures safety while minimising impact on the environment. With the Eastern leg completed, the works on the Western segment of the micro-tunnel will now start. The micro-tunnel construction works are due to be finalised during the summer.
The micro-tunnel in Çorovoda is comprised of the now completed 560-metre Eastern tunnel and a 600-metre Western section. The micro-tunnel will be 1.5 kilometres long, with a 1.8-metre diameter, and avoid any impact on the banks of the Osumi River and a newly constructed bypass road.
Skrapar’s landscape, Albania’s mountainous region where TAP will reach 1,800 metres above sea level, poses many challenges to the pipeline construction, as a result of its numerous geohazards, steep mountain slopes, and geological composition.
TAP Construction Progress in Albania
Right of Way cleared and graded: 187 km
Pipes welded: 177 km
Pipeline lowered in: 161 km
Backfilled: 159 km
Right of way reinstated:120 km