SAFETY UPGRADE FOR MERSEY KINGSWAY

Fatal incidents in the Channel Tunnel, Mont Blanc Tunnel and Tauern Tunnel resulted in concerns about how to improve the capacity for emergency evacuation as a result of an incident in the Mersey Kingsway road tunnels in Liverpool, U.K. A feasibility study led to the design and construction of three new cross passages, located between the existing tunnel ventilation shafts, with an average spacing of 325m between the three new passages. Influencing the design of the cross passages were spatial requirements related to: wheelchair/mobility impaired access; dimension of cross passages; and, excavation method. The article gives an overview of the geotechnical analysis that was conducted and the procurement strategy. The site works included the construction of the three segmental lined cross passages, replacement of secondary lining panels in the mid-river emergency lay-by with vitreous enamel steel panels, and refurbishment of existing Dado panels located along the walkways. Constraints included traffic management, the presence of tunnel services and requirement for service diversions, control of silt in the invert of the tunnels, and excavation methodology limiting the use of hand excavation. The completed cross passages not only provide emergency facilities for the tunnels, but they also provide improved under deck access for their maintenance, thus increasing the life expectancy of the structures.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0041414X
• Corporate Authors:

  Polygon Media Limited

  Tubs Hill House, London Road
  Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BY,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Leggett, M
  • Roberts, K
• Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 20-23
• Serial:
  • Tunnels & Tunnelling International
  • Volume: 35
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Progressive Media Markets, Ltd
  • ISSN: 0041-414X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Contracts; Evacuation; Safety; Tunnel lining; Vehicular tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cross passages
• Geographic Terms: Liverpool (England)
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00962291
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 2 2003 12:00AM