New Alessandria Airport – Transport Study

General overview and objectives of the study

As part of our strategic planning activities for railway and logistics systems, we participated in the drafting of the transport study for the new Alessandria railway yard. In addition, we carried out the subsequent cost-benefit analysis, providing technical and specialist support in defining the reference framework and evaluating the development scenarios. Activities included analysis of the territorial and socio-economic context, zoning of the study area, and data collection from institutional, census, and statistical sources. Consequently, it was possible to build a solid knowledge base for the design phases.

Database processing and modelling

We used high-resolution information bases to construct the model system. Official datasets have been supplemented with Floating Car Data and other granular sources. Furthermore, the transport modelling, developed in the CUBE environment, was calibrated and validated through iterative procedures; this ensured a high degree of consistency between simulated demand and observed values. Subsequently, the checks allowed the model structure to be further refined.

Project scenarios and comparative assessments

We have developed alternative scenarios for the short, medium and long term. These include an inertial scenario and several design variants shared with the client and the working group. For each scenario, we assessed the effects on passenger and freight demand, modal split, and the operation of logistics and railway terminals. In addition, analyses of congestion, service saturation and journey times were included. Therefore, each design proposal was analysed in a comparative and transparent manner.

Indicators, MCAs and decision-making tools

The simulations provided transport and socio-economic indicators that were useful for comparing the design options. We applied multi-criteria evaluation methodologies to identify the optimal scenario, integrating structured KPIs, socio-economic indicators and sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the process provided a transparent decision-support system, making the evaluation process more effective. Consequently, the selection of the final scenario was more robust and justified.

Data visualisation and support for institutional processes

Data visualisation tools, in particular Tableau, were used to create interactive dashboards dedicated to stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, these interfaces facilitated discussion during the institutional phases, improving understanding of the modelling results. Thanks to a data-driven approach, the study provided a solid and replicable knowledge framework. Therefore, the foundations have been laid for more efficient and sustainable planning of the new Alessandria airport.