By rosebell
The autumn of the current year will be the scheduled date for commencing a major modernisation of Cornwall’s Saltash Tunnel.
Upgrading the tunnel and traffic control system, including electrical distribution, new LED lighting, fans as well as electronic signage, will be done by National Highways as part of a generational refurbishment project.
As the only tunnel in Europe operating by tidal flow, this 410m-long, three-lane bi-directional structure is carrying almost 40,000 vehicles per day, whereas it relies on specialised technology, and the £25m modernisation programme is essential to maintain safe operation of the 36-year-old tunnel.
The age of the current tunnel and lane control system is more than 20 years and the initial preparatory work, including the stripping out of old cabling, has been taking place since last autumn, in tandem with a speed reduction scheme.
Considering that National Highways has a commitment to safety and air quality, its upgrade work is due to include renewal of the tunnel control and traffic management system; new LED lighting; fibre cabling as part of a modern electrical power distribution system; modernisation of the ventilation control system to manage air quality; replacement of existing sensors to improve air quality monitoring; installation of traffic signals and automatic barriers to improve safety in the event of closures and emergencies; improved information signage and messaging; and installation of easy-access cable duct covers.
According to National Highways tunnel manager Julian Mitchell: “There had been a considerable amount of planning over several years to identify efficiencies and bring the tunnel’s systems up to modern standards, which would ultimately reduce the number of future maintenance closures.”
The date of commencing this work will be November and it is scheduled to take 12 months to complete.
