Lighting

Most road tunnels in Australia use high pressure sodium (HPS) lights, NorthConnex will use the latest light emitting diodes (LED) technology. The use of LED lights rather than HPS lights reduces the number of lights and energy needed to power the lighting system. The technology also reduces maintenance needs. We expect that this system will reduce carbon emissions by about 83,000 tonnes compared to HPS lights. You can read more about the project’s sustainability initiatives in the Annual Sustainability Report.

Ventilation

There will be 140 jet fans pushing air through the NorthConnex tunnel. They will complement the natural air flow generated by vehicles entering the tunnel. As vehicles enter, they will push air into the tunnel in a piston effect. The fans will be automated providing more airflow when traffic flow is slow.  Fresh air is drawn into the tunnel via the tunnel portals, using the piston effect, which involves moving vehicles pushing air inside the tunnel. You can read more about air quality and NorthConnex here. 

Fire deluge system

The NorthConnex fire deluge system (high flow fire sprinklers) will be supplied by water held at the highest point of the tunnel at the Northern Ventilation Facility. The system will work in sections with heat detectors triggering the fire deluge system where water is needed. The system will flow at roughly 13,000 litres per minute.

Heavy vehicle regulation

Overheight detection systems will be installed on the approaches to the tunnel to help prevent tall vehicles entering the tunnel. Overheight vehicles face significant penalties which can be viewed on the Transport for NSW website.

Tolling

Tolling infrastructure will be located at the entrance and exit of the tunnel. Tolls will be aligned with the Hills M2 Motorway and will increase in line with the proposed concession agreement with the Government and continue until 2048.

Emergency management 

Cross passages in the tunnel will allow pedestrian access between the tunnels in case of an evacuation and there are also two vehicle cross over points for emergency services. When the tunnel opens there will be a dedicated breakdown lane in each direction, allowing traffic flow to safely continue while any incident is attended to.

CCTV 

The tunnel will be monitored with Closed Circuit Television cameras so incidents can be responded to as efficiently as possible.