Tunnel lighting of the future

New lighting in tunnels can save lives and money. Many tunnels are waiting for modern lighting - and the Brektunnel between Buvika and Øysand on the E39 motorway is the first. The Brektunnel is part of the E39 Klett - Bårdshaug PPP project built and operated by Skanska.

New lighting in tunnels can save lives and money. Many tunnels are waiting for modern lighting - and the Brektunnel between Buvika and Øysand on the E39 motorway is the first. The Brektunnel is part of the E39 Klett - Bårdshaug PPP project built and operated by Skanska.

Together with Skanska, OneCo has delivered the project, which consisted of electrical, lighting and control systems for the tunnel. These days, the finishing touches are being put in place with the commissioning of the control system.

"We have installed 275 luminaires in the Brektunnel - old technology with standard fluorescent tube luminaires is being replaced in favour of luminaires with LED technology. In addition, a technological control system has been delivered to get the full benefit of the new technology," says an enthusiastic Børge Lundhaug of OneCo Central Norway.

The work has been carried out in close co-operation with Skanska, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and OneCo. Several companies in the OneCo structure have been involved, including OneCo Samferdsel and OneCo Midt Norge. The replacement has been carried out as night work with the tunnel closed and open for normal traffic during the day. It has been an important point that the tunnel should be in normal operation throughout the construction period. This means that the tunnel must not be darkened along the way and that closing/opening times must be observed. The project has been completed according to schedule and uptime has been maintained. The project has also been completed without without accidents or adverse events. 

"The implementation has been demanding, but we have had a project team that has shown an exemplary willingness and ability to solve the task in an efficient and solution-orientated way. We are very pleased with this and commend all parties for a very good job," continues Lundhaug.

The Brektunnel is a pilot project where energy-saving LED lighting is being tested. In addition to being energy-efficient with LED itself, the tunnel is also prepared for a solution where the light is regulated in relation to traffic. OneCo has delivered the technical solution. A special feature of the tunnel is the regulation of the entrance zones, where the light is adapted to the lighting conditions on the outside of the tunnel.

"In addition to having a traffic safety aspect, LED also has a positive financial side for Skanska, which also has operational responsibility. LED lighting has a longer service life and is considerably more flexible in terms of control options than traditional light fittings. This results in lower operating costs and fewer tunnel closures due to maintenance," Lundhaug concludes.

See video from below published on NRK.no: