Work is due to start on the existing lighting system, which is more than 20 years old, on 8 January and it is expected to take three months to complete.
The project will be split into two phases. The first phase will involve the complete removal of one row of Tunnel lighting followed by the installation of modern LED units. The new control system and power supply will also be installed at this time. During the second phase, the second row of lighting will be removed and replaced.
During the 12-week project the Tunnel will be closed between Sunday and Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 6 am. It will remain open on Friday and Saturday evenings. During closures there will also be no pedestrian access.
From 2 January a small number of parking spaces are due to be cordoned off in Snow Hill car park to create a site compound for the contractor.
In a statement the department said: ‘Upon completion, the Tunnel lighting system will be in line with modern lighting standards for both vehicles and pedestrians, and will be fit for use for at least the next 20 years. The new lighting system will significantly improve the lighting level for both drivers and pedestrians and be able to constantly moderate the lighting to the optimum level within the Tunnel, based on the ambient lighting outside the Tunnel.’
‘The new system will represent a leap forward in the capability and resilience of the lighting system, and will ensure that the lights remain on in the Tunnel for decades to come.’
