Reducing high levels of particles in tunnels

A new study from Sweden’s National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) which aims to improve understanding of the differences between inhalable particles in highway versus railway environments has indicated that older types of trains produce more particulate emissions in railroad tunnels than do newer ones. Dust binding, improved paving and reduced studded tyre use could reduce coarse particle levels in road tunnels.
March 1, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

A new study from Sweden’s National Road and Transport Research Institute (5230 VTI) which aims to improve understanding of the differences between inhalable particles in highway versus railway environments has indicated that older types of trains produce more particulate emissions in railroad tunnels than do newer ones. Dust binding, improved paving and reduced studded tyre use could reduce coarse particle levels in road tunnels.

The tests were carried out in Sweden at Arlanda Central station beneath Arlanda Airport and in the Söderleden road tunnel in central Stockholm. The results indicate that the environment of the studied railroad tunnel is characterised by peaks in coarse particle concentration. Some trains can be tied to emissions of ultrafine particles which consist mainly of iron, with lesser amounts of copper, zinc and other metals.

The main focus of measures to remedy high particle counts in railway tunnels has so far been on preventing exposure by separating trains from platforms or using ventilation to remove polluted air, but few studies have examined the means available to prevent the emissions themselves.

According to VTI researcher Mats Gustafsson, the study demonstrates that it is possible to reduce particulate emissions by identifying and improving train types as well as individual trains and their characteristics.

Road tunnels are characterised by high levels of ultrafine particles and high levels of coarse particles when conditions are dry. Because the traffic in such tunnels is more intense than in railroad tunnels, the particle levels are more consistently high during rush hours.

“The options available to combat coarse particles in road tunnels comprise reduced studded tyre use, better paving, and efficient dust binding and cleaning”, said Gustafsson.

The ultrafine particles that occur in high concentrations derive from vehicle exhaust and can be addressed by reducing traffic volumes, improving exhaust treatment, and lowering the proportion of heavy traffic, he says.

Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

VTI

Related Content

  • State of the art ITS technology for Doha tunnel management system
    January 31, 2012
    Husam Musharbash, Traffic Tech Group, talks about tunnel management system implementation on the new route between Doha and the soon-to-open New Doha International Airport. The new Ras Abu Aboud Tunnel in Qatar, which opened to traffic in January of this year, will serve the New Doha International Airport once the latter opens in 2011.
    Read More
  • Netherlands road pricing trial results released
    February 2, 2012
    NXP Semiconductors and IBM have announced the final results of a landmark road pricing trial conducted in the Netherlands, which demonstrated that with the help of technology, drivers can be motivated to change their driving behaviour, reducing traffic congestion and contributing to a greener environment.
    Read More
  • T-Charge introduced to older vehicles in London to tackle toxic air pollution
    October 23, 2017
    To combat thousands of premature deaths caused by air pollution in London, up to 34, 000 polluting vehicles travelling into Central London every month may have to pay the T-Charge £10.00 ($13.00) which will operate on top of the Congestion Charge £11.50 ($15.00). Launched by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the T -Charge applies to drivers of pre-Euro 4 vehicles that do not meet the PM and NOx emissions and has come into effect from 7.00am on 23 October 2017.
    Read More
  • Copenhagen to showcase ITS in action at ITSWC 2018
    December 18, 2017
    As delegates head for the 2017 ITS World Congress in Montreal, we talk to Copenhagen mayor Morten Kabell about why his city is the ideal location for next year’s event. It may have been a long time coming but the ITS World Congress will be in Copenhagen in 2018 and there can be few more fitting places to host the event. By any number of metrics - interconnected transport, cycle commuting, safer streets, reduced pollution, sustainable energy and quality of life - the Danish capital has implemented what m
    Read More

Highlighted Content