The Queensway Tunnel, the older of the two cross-river (Mersey) tunnels, consists of four lanes of traffic within a single bore, two lanes from Liverpool to Birkenhead and two lanes in the opposite direction. The Kingsway Tunnel consists of two tunnel bores each carrying two lanes of traffic; the South Bore in the direction from Liverpool to Wallasey, and The North Bore covering the reverse. The approach roads to both tunnels are already equipped with numerous safety critical systems including signage, CCTV, and emergency telephones.
The VMS signs will provide safety measures by advising motorists of additional information, in relation to incidents, delays and diversions. As part of the project, Spie UK will be responsible for developing the designs from the feasibility study and associated comments provided through to the design, in addition to surveys of the sites to facilitate a selection of sign locations in consultation with Merseytravel. Following completion, the second contract will lead to the main supply and installation works.
Throughout the VMS contract, Spie UK will engage with Merseytravel to determine general operational requirements which will include the design and installation of the ten VMS and associated works. The scope also includes stipulations for the full design and installation of an over-height vehicle detection and warning system for the Liverpool approach to the Queensway Tunnel. Spie UK will also be responsible for the specification, design and installation of all related supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) works except the final configuration within SCADA that will be undertaken by third parties.
Steve Henry, Operations at SPIE UK, said “Protecting the safety of Merseyside road-users on such key tunnels is paramount, and the new Variable Signage will help improve the flow of traffic for all, leading to a better experience.”