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

  • IBTTA recognises MTA Bridges and Tunnels
    October 22, 2021
    App gives tolling customers more self-service options to manage payments
    Read More
  • UK freight trains to be upgraded with European Train Control Systems
    December 20, 2017
    Network Rail has contracted Siemens Rail Automation to install European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling on 750 of the UK's heaviest locomotives to improve safety and provide better use of the network with plans to retrofit the entire fleet in 2022. This technology forms part of the country's Digital Railway programme, and the government has invested £450m ($602m) as part of its National Productivity Fund. For the first phase, Siemens will install its Trainguard 200 (T200) ETCS on-board
    Read More
  • BrisConnections selects Kapsch TrafficCom
    February 2, 2012
    Kapsch TrafficCom has been awarded a contract by Thiess John Holland, the design and construction contractor for the Brisbane Airport Link and Northern Busway Project, to deliver an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system worth over US$12.25 million.
    Read More
  • Nyx technology Arizona acquires lighting technology for Queen creek tunnel upgrade
    October 11, 2017
    Nyx Hemera Technologies has announced the installation tunnel lighting control system (TLACS) with Holophane's luminaires in the Queen-Creek tunnel in Arizona. The $3 million (£2,273,000) project is funded Department of Transportation in Arizona as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the state road network’s efficiency and security. The project involves removing the existing interior lighting, installing an LED lighting system and intelligent control system, replacing the exterior lighting at both ends of
    Read More

Highlighted Content