By Lynda Myer
On 7 December 2021 minister Ian Borg in parliament stated that the brand new lighting system in the Ta’ Giorni, Tal-Qroqq, Santa Venera, and Ħal Kirkop tunnels cost the taxpayer more than €1.7 million.
While many motorists were plaintiff about the new high-powered LED lights because they believed that these lights made them blinded, especially at night, currently this innovation is presenting better conditions for them.
In accordance with the transport minister response to Opposition MP David Thake’s question, the tunnels have been armed with constant lighting which is lit consistently throughout the day, and dimmable lights for the night which are still being calibrated by engineers.
Borg also added: “In every tunnel, there is permanent lighting that incorporates a system of lights that are always lit during the day at a constant intensity, and there are also dimmable lights whose intensity varies depending on the level of light during the day and at night. The processes to calibrate the dimmable lights are currently being finalized.”
The level of natural light and weather conditions are two factors that this €1.73 million new system affected by and encounter changings intensity according to them. Additionally, tunnels have been clad with specific reflective material to improve the lighting.
In addition to the lighting system, Borg noted that each and every tunnel has been equipped with new control rooms, CCTV cameras, fire alarms, air quality monitoring systems, electronic signage, and emergency communication systems.
