As part of a £11 million upgrade, the Queensway Tunnel (Birkenhead) is currently undergoing extensive renovations, as evidenced by new images.
June marked the beginning of nighttime closures as part of a significant investment to upgrade electrical equipment, which included the installation of an energy-efficient LED lighting system.
The most recent images were captured during the tunnel’s complete closure last weekend, during which metal carriageway access covers were replaced and new cable ducts were installed across the carriageway.
Additionally, improved maintenance measures were implemented, such as the cleansing of roadside grids, jet washing of curbs, and inspection of all fire hydrants, emergency doors, and systems.
As part of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s initiative to decarbonise the public transport network of the city region, the £11 million upgrade started in June. This contribution will help the region achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2040, which is at least a decade ahead of the national government’s target.
The current lighting infrastructure spanning the entire 2-mile tunnel is being substituted with a 25-year lifespan LED system that is highly energy-efficient. Upon completion in approximately fourteen months, the new lighting will yield electricity cost savings in addition to a carbon footprint reduction of sixty percent, or 220 tonnes of carbon annually.
Although the new system will result in energy conservation, light quality will not be compromised.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:
“The £11m investment in upgrading the lighting at the Queensway Tunnel is a major part of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s pledge to target net zero for our city region by 2040.
“The Mersey Tunnels are an essential part of our city region transport network and with increasing energy prices, they are becoming more expensive to maintain.
“We receive no central Government support, so it is up to the Combined Authority to source the funds to keep them running safely and efficiently. These works will help us achieve that in the long-term.
“We’d like to thank tunnel users for their patience during this time.”
The lighting upgrade initiative, which is backed by Levelling Up funding from the Liverpool City Region, will align the Queensway Tunnel with the Kingsway Tunnel in Wallasey. The Kingsway Tunnel achieved greater energy efficiency in June 2018 following the completion of a comparable upgrade. Amidst this, the Kingsway Tunnel remains accessible.
This is part of an ongoing investment and modernisation programme to futureproof the tunnels as a key part of the city region transport network and a vital a cross river travel option.
Queensway Tunnel is being closed each night between 21.00 and 06.30 while the upgrade work takes place.
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