Parsons Brinckerhoff to upgrade Mersey tunnel fire fighting systems
Published: 16 June, 2011
Parsons Brinckerhoff, the international engineering consultant, is helping Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority upgrade and modernise fire fighting systems in the Kingsway tunnels, two of the longest road tunnels in the UK.
The twin bore tunnels, which run 2.25 kilometres between Liverpool and Wallasey under the River Mersey, were originally built in the 1970s and the fire fighting infrastructure is now in need of upgrade.
Parsons Brinckerhoff’s initial role was to evaluate the existing approach to fire fighting and then design the new systems along with nearly 100 fire hydrant points along the routes. The company assisted the client with its selection of a main contractor and it will now provide management and inspection services throughout the contractor’s installation contract.
The demanding programme has seen Parsons Brinckerhoff leading feasibility, detailed design and programme management in close coordination with the client and other stakeholders including the emergency services in what has been a true team effort.
Final design proposals cover the tunnels and approach highways and include an installation approach to minimise disruption. Maintaining the integrity of the fire fighting protection on this busy commuter route during the works is essential and a key driver has centred around passenger safety at all times.
Barry Biggs, Technical Director at Parsons Brinckerhoff in the UK, said: “As we have seen in a number of incidents across Europe in recent years, it is vital that fire fighting capability in road tunnels is constantly assessed and kept up to date. At Parsons Brinckerhoff, we have extensive global tunnel engineering and fire strategy experience. On this project we have consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and assessed current and future predicted fire fighting technologies along with new product innovations.”
