Published Thursday, 15 May, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Tugun tunnel deluge system bursts into life
The $543 million Tugun Bypass is not due to open to motorists until June 2, but one of its state-of-the-art safety systems received a public test-drive today.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the deluge water sprinkler system installed in the bypass’s 334-metre tunnel had burst into life as part of preparations for the long-awaited opening.
"The deluge system is capable of supplying a continuous output of 260 litres a second for two hours, so it's quite a spectacle," Mr Pitt said.
"At the moment, while the road is still under construction, the deluge system is an interesting curiosity.
"But when the bypass opens, it may well save someone's life, with 11 zones situated in each of the northbound and southbound lanes.
"Smoke and fire detection systems will initiate the deluge system if needed when the tunnel is in operation.
"Hopefully these features are never needed but the system reflects the fact that driver safety is Main Roads' number one priority at all times."
Project Director Mick O'Dwyer said the deluge system was part of an ’intelligent’ transport management system that was second-to-none in Australia..
"The technological aspects of this tunnel are quite superb," Mr O’Dwyer said.
"In the event of an emergency, messages are broadcast through vehicle radios, and electronic messages boards have also been installed to pass on important safety information.
"Jet fans will maintain air quality during peak traffic times and in the event of an incident, a closed-circuit TV camera system will allow for 24-hour monitoring by traffic management controllers."
Mr Pitt said traffic modelling showed about 46,000 vehicles would use the bypass each day, reducing existing traffic along the Gold Coast Highway by up to 55 per cent. The bypass would cut travel times between Currumbin and Tweed Heads to five minutes.
“It is estimated the bypass will save $1.9 billion in reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs and $59 million in avoided accidents over 30 years, as well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.5 per cent by 2017,” he said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the deluge water sprinkler system installed in the bypass’s 334-metre tunnel had burst into life as part of preparations for the long-awaited opening.
"The deluge system is capable of supplying a continuous output of 260 litres a second for two hours, so it's quite a spectacle," Mr Pitt said.
"At the moment, while the road is still under construction, the deluge system is an interesting curiosity.
"But when the bypass opens, it may well save someone's life, with 11 zones situated in each of the northbound and southbound lanes.
"Smoke and fire detection systems will initiate the deluge system if needed when the tunnel is in operation.
"Hopefully these features are never needed but the system reflects the fact that driver safety is Main Roads' number one priority at all times."
Project Director Mick O'Dwyer said the deluge system was part of an ’intelligent’ transport management system that was second-to-none in Australia..
"The technological aspects of this tunnel are quite superb," Mr O’Dwyer said.
"In the event of an emergency, messages are broadcast through vehicle radios, and electronic messages boards have also been installed to pass on important safety information.
"Jet fans will maintain air quality during peak traffic times and in the event of an incident, a closed-circuit TV camera system will allow for 24-hour monitoring by traffic management controllers."
Mr Pitt said traffic modelling showed about 46,000 vehicles would use the bypass each day, reducing existing traffic along the Gold Coast Highway by up to 55 per cent. The bypass would cut travel times between Currumbin and Tweed Heads to five minutes.
“It is estimated the bypass will save $1.9 billion in reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs and $59 million in avoided accidents over 30 years, as well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.5 per cent by 2017,” he said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819