Multi-million dollar safety upgrade for New Zealand tunnel

New Zealand transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced work is set to begin on a multi-million dollar fire deluge system that will improve safety and reduce the risk of lengthy closures at Lyttelton Tunnel south of Christchurch. The US$19.9 million (NZ$28.7 million) project is the largest project undertaken at the tunnel since it opened in 1964. The contract has been awarded to McConnell Dowell, with work set to start in the coming weeks. A fire sprinkler system is the most effective means of mana
May 18, 2017 Read time: 1 min
New Zealand transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced work is set to begin on a multi-million dollar fire deluge system that will improve safety and reduce the risk of lengthy closures at Lyttelton Tunnel south of Christchurch.


The US$19.9 million (NZ$28.7 million) project is the largest project undertaken at the tunnel since it opened in 1964. The contract has been awarded to McConnell Dowell, with work set to start in the coming weeks.

A fire sprinkler system is the most effective means of managing fire risk in the tunnel and is designed to control and contain a fire until fire services reach the scene. The project involves the construction of two reservoirs, two pump stations, and the installation of 9km of pipe work and 2,400 fire sprinkler nozzles throughout the tunnel.

The project is expected to be complete by December 2018.

Related Content

  • July 22, 2024
    New Zealand ponders tolling new major roads
    Roads of National Significance may get alternative funding to speed their completion
    Read More
  • December 20, 2012
    Imtech to provide technology for Antwerp’s new tram project
    Technology supplier Royal Imtech (Imtech) has announced an agreement with the Flemish transport authority De Lijn for improvement of Antwerp’s sustainable public infrastructure. The Livan 1 Antwerp design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) tram project will be implemented by a consortium called NV Livan Infrastructure comprising Lijninvest as a public shareholder and Poseidon Infrastructure (Imtech, Denys and Macquarie Capital Group) as a private partner. The total investment is around US$132 million. M
    Read More
  • August 17, 2016
    Michael Baker International to aid SEPTA’s ‘Rebuilding the System’ program
    As part of its Rebuilding the System Program, the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in the US has awarded Michael Baker International a three-year, US$8-million contract to provide general engineering, construction management and inspection services to a range of SEPTA projects throughout south-eastern Pennsylvania. As part of the contract, the Michael Baker team will support SEPTA in their management of complex construction projects with the goal of ensuring quality, enhanci
    Read More
  • April 22, 2022
    Earth Day: animal traffic management
    Caltrans has been involved in animal crossing bridge over freeway in Santa Monica Mountains
    Read More

Highlighted Content