On 28 March 2026, the Orco Valley Aqueduct was inaugurated in Locana. The project, developed by SMAT, is one of the major infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the security of the territory’s water supply.

The project includes approximately 140 kilometres of distribution network, interconnected with the networks of 50 municipalities and serving a population of approximately 130,000 inhabitants. The system also includes a water intake at Bardonetto, a water treatment plant with a capacity of 800 litres per second, and a storage tank in Locana. The overall investment exceeds €254 million.

Civil and Infrastructure works

Among the works carried out by DVC as part of Lot 1 are the aqueduct pipelines and the construction of an approximately 295-metre rock tunnel, excavated using the Drill & Blast method. This technique involves drilling the rock, loading the boreholes with explosives and carrying out successive blasting operations to advance the excavation.

The works also included the demolition of the existing bridge over the Orco River and the construction of a new structure, measuring 82 metres in length and 12.70 metres in width, serving the new water treatment plant.

Geotechnical works

The complexity of the project also required specific geotechnical works, including jet grouting for ground consolidation and the construction of foundation piles supporting the structural works.

These activities were carried out alongside the main construction works, contributing to the stability and safety of the structures in an area characterised by particularly complex geological and morphological conditions.

Infrastructure for water security

The Orco Valley Aqueduct will enable the use of water from the Gran Paradiso reservoirs for drinking water purposes, helping to strengthen the security and continuity of water supply in the Canavese, Eporediese and Calusiese areas. The project was also designed to address quantitative and qualitative water resource challenges, which have become increasingly significant as a result of climate change.

For Di Vincenzo Dino & C. S.p.A., the construction of Lot 1 involved the integration of different areas of expertise, from civil and structural works to geotechnical activities, within an infrastructure that will play a strategic role for the territory and for the future management of water resources.

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