Kingsway Tunnel £8 million investment to rewire approved....

Plans for a major £8million investment to rewire and replace the lighting in the Kingsway (Wallasey) Tunnel have been approved by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (CA). The tunnel’s electrical infrastructure has been in place since it was constructed over 40 years ago and is at the end of its life cycle. The work, which will include relocating cabling from along the side of the tubes to the invert below the road surface, will reduce the likelihood of power being affected by a vehicle strike and allow for easier maintenance without one of the tubes having to be closed. The plans will also see existing lighting replaced with more efficient LED units, reducing electrical consumption, leading to lower running costs and reduced CO2 emissions. The project is expected to take 24 months to complete, with the majority of work at road level taking place during scheduled maintenance closures, causing minimal disruption to tunnel users. The rewiring is part of a 10 year investment programme for the two tunnels to keep them in good order and able to accommodate the 25 million vehicles which pass through them each year. The work will be funded through money set aside from the Mersey Tunnel Tolls. Frank Rogers, Merseytravel Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Integrated Transport Services said: “The Mersey Tunnels are a vital part of our transport infrastructure, providing important road links for millions of vehicles each year, helping to sustain and grow the economy of the region. The tunnels are amongst the safest for their age in Europe and it’s essential we continue to invest in them so we can keep them up and running for generations to come.” Interesting facts • 39 kilometres (39000 metres) of cable will be installed • 1700 LED light fittings will be installed • Reduced CO2 emissions of approx. 338 tonnes per year = saving of £66,000 per year in electricity cost. Upon its creation in April 2014, the CA assumed ownership of both the Kingsway and Queensway tunnels and while Merseytravel remains responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the tunnels, and procuring and oversight of major infrastructure projects, any major investment must be authorised by the CA. The Kingsway Tunnel was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 June 1971 after a five year construction period. The 1.5 mi (2.4 km) tunnel was built to accommodate the rise in traffic because the Queensway Tunnel, which was built in the 1930s to carry vehicles between Birkenhead and Liverpool, was unable to cope with the rise in post-war traffic.

Story and Photo Source: Southport GB