Saint Viateur: Bessac builds the largest tunnel boring machine in its history!
This project constitutes the largest stormwater drainage structure ever built in Africa. For this exceptional undertaking, Bessac is setting a record by building the largest tunnel boring machine in its history (5.7 m in diameter).
Each year, the Riviera / Palmeraie area in Abidjan is severely affected by major flooding. These recurring events cause considerable material damage, having a lasting impact on both the population and infrastructure. In response to this situation, stormwater management has become a national priority for the Ivorian government, which has launched an initiative to deliver a sustainable, coherent solution adapted to the constraints of the entire catchment area.
A technical challenge to match the stakes
To address this urgent need, the Saint Viateur project aims to manage a flow rate of 189 m³ per second—nearly half the flow of the Seine River. The work will include the construction of a 5.7-meter diameter tunnel, 4 kilometers long, with dimensions comparable to a metro tunnel, as well as a DN 2000 microtunnel over 900 meters.
With a total duration of 36 months, this project is currently the largest stormwater drainage structure ever undertaken on the African continent. Initial operations have already begun on site, including topographic surveys of the route and surrounding areas, as well as geotechnical investigations required for the project’s design studies.
An industrial milestone for BESSAC
The tunnel boring machine required for the project is already being designed by the Technical Services team. To date, it will be the largest TBM ever built by BESSAC, once again demonstrating the expertise of the teams and their ability to meet top-tier technical challenges.
Best of luck to the teams on site!
