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SPIE UK, one of the leading technical service providers in the UK has secured two Merseytravel tunnel approach works contracts to improve motorist safety.
The projects will see SPIE UK carry out the electrical upgrade of the Queensway Tunnel and the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract associated with new Variable Message Signs (VMS) on the approach roads to the Kingsway and Queensway Tunnels in the Liverpool City region.
The VMS contract includes the supply and installation of new signs which will provide safety measures by advising motorists of additional information, in relation to incidents, delays and diversions. As part of the ECI works, SPIE UK will be responsible for developing the designs from the feasibility study and associated comments provided through to the full detailed design, in addition to detailed surveys of the sites to facilitate a selection of sign locations in consultation with Merseytravel. Following completion, the second contract will lead to the main supply and installation works.
Throughout the VMS contract, SPIE UK will regularly engage with Merseytravel to determine general operational requirements which will include the full design and installation of the 10 VMS and associated works. The scope also includes stipulations for the full design and installation of an over-height vehicle detection and warning system for the Liverpool approach to the Queensway Tunnel. SPIE UK will also be responsible for the specification, design and installation of all related supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) works except the final configuration within SCADA that will be undertaken by third parties.
The Queensway Tunnel, the older of the two cross-river (Mersey) tunnels, began operations in 1934 and consists of four lanes of traffic within a single bore, two lanes from Liverpool to Birkenhead and two lanes in the opposite direction. The Kingsway Tunnel, which opened in 1971, consists of two tunnel bores each carrying two lanes of traffic; the South Bore in the direction from Liverpool to Wallasey, and The North Bore covering the reverse. The approach roads to both tunnels are already equipped with numerous safety critical systems including signage, CCTV, and emergency telephones.
Colin Dever, Technical Services Manager at Merseytravel said: “Ensuring the safety of Merseyside motorists is our top priority and SPIE UK’s deep expertise provides us with the confidence that they will successfully deliver on the full extent of the contracts. The skills and capabilities SPIE UK has at its disposal will help us protect road-users to the fullest extent whilst supporting our mission of delivering transport projects that support the economic growth of the Liverpool city region.”
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