TUNNELS AND UNDERPASSES &

MAINTENANCE CONSEDERATIONS IN ROADWAY LIGHTING

DESIGN.
2.11-2.12

When it comes to transportation

and infrastructure, certain terms
can be easily confused or used
interchangeably. One common
example is the use of the words
“tunnel” and “underpass.” While
both refer to a passage that goes
under something, they are not
exactly the same thing.

In fact, the proper word to use depends on the context and the specific
features of the passage. Generally speaking, a tunnel is a passage that goes
through a mountain or a hill, while an underpass is a passage that goes
under a road, a railway, or a similar structure.

More specifically, a tunnel is an underground passage that is usually

constructed for transportation or communication purposes. It can be made
of natural materials (such as rock or soil) or artificial materials (such as
concrete or steel). Tunnels can be used for various modes of
transportation, such as cars, trains, subways, or pedestrians. They can also
serve other purposes, such as water supply, sewage, or mining
On the other hand, an underpass is a passage that is built under a road, a
railway, or a similar structure. It is usually designed for pedestrians, cyclists,
or vehicles that need to cross the structure without interfering with the
traffic on it. Underpasses can be open or closed, and can have different
shapes and sizes depending on the location and the purpose.

Define Tunnel
A tunnel is an underground passageway that is usually constructed through
a mountain or under a body of water. Tunnels are used for a variety of
purposes, such as transportation, water supply, and sewage systems. They
are typically made of reinforced concrete, brick, or stone, and can range in
size from small pedestrian tunnels to massive tunnels that accommodate
trains and vehicles.

Tunnels are often used to bypass obstacles such as mountains or rivers.

They can also be used to provide a more direct route for transportation or
to protect the environment from the negative effects of surface-level
construction.
Define Underpass
An underpass is a passage that goes beneath an obstacle such as a road or
railway. Underpasses are typically used for pedestrian or vehicular traffic,
and are often constructed to improve safety and traffic flow. They can be
made of various materials, such as concrete, steel, or brick.

Underpasses are commonly used in urban areas to connect different parts

of the city and provide safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles. They can
also be used in rural areas to provide safe passage for wildlife and livestock.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to transportation infrastructure, the terms “tunnel” and

“underpass” are often used interchangeably. However, this can lead to
confusion and even dangerous situations. Here are some common mistakes
to avoid:d your title here

Using “Tunnel” And “Underpass” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “tunnel” and
“underpass” as if they mean the same thing. While both refer to passages
beneath the ground, they are not interchangeable.
A tunnel is a passage that goes through a mountain, under a body of water,
or beneath a city. It is usually longer and wider than an underpass and can
accommodate vehicles, trains, or pedestrians.
An underpass, on the other hand, is a passage that goes under a road,
railway, or pedestrian walkway. It is usually shorter and narrower than a
tunnel and is designed for pedestrians, bicycles, or small vehicles.
Using “tunnel” when you mean “underpass” or vice versa can lead to
confusion, especially for people who are not familiar with the area. For
example, if you tell someone to take the tunnel under the highway, they
might end up driving through a long and dark passage that is meant for
trains or pedestrians.

Assuming All Tunnels And Underpasses Are Safe

Another common mistake is assuming that all tunnels and underpasses are
safe to use. While most of them are well-lit, ventilated, and maintained,
some can be dangerous or even deadly.

For example, tunnels that go through mountains or under bodies of water

can be prone to flooding, landslides, or collapses. They can also be affected
by earthquakes, storms, or other natural disasters. Similarly, underpasses
that go under busy roads or railways can be noisy, polluted, or poorly lit,
making them unsafe for pedestrians or cyclists.

Neglecting To Follow Traffic Rules And Signs

A third common mistake is neglecting to follow traffic rules and signs when
using tunnels and underpasses. While some of them may seem
straightforward, others can be confusing or counter-intuitive.

For example, some tunnels have separate lanes for different types of
vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Others have speed limits,
height restrictions, or weight limits that you need to observe. Similarly,
some underpasses have designated paths for pedestrians or bicycles, while
others require you to share the road with cars or buses.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using tunnel and underpass are straightforward,
there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some
explanations and examples for each case:

TUNNEL LIGHTING SYSTEM

In the majority of tunnels, the natural penetration of light does not allow
satisfactory visibility for users. It is therefore necessary to install artificial
lighting to improve visibility conditions and comfort.
In terms of functionalities, the lighting installation must allow for:
normal lighting that provides appropriate visibility for users, both day and
night safety lighting that provides minimum visibility for users, to enable
them to leave the tunnel in their vehicles in case of power outage.
evacuation lighting, such as evacuation marker lights, to guide tunnel users
on foot in the event of an emergency.
Normal artificial lighting usually includes two successive zones:
an entrance zone (also called a reinforcement zone) where the lighting level
is reinforced at the tunnel entrance and gradually decreases further along
the tunnel an interior zone that corresponds to the rest of the tunnel. In
this area the lighting level is constant and much lower than in the entrance
zone.
ENTRANCE LIGHTING

Motorists approaching a tunnel entrance will often experience what is

known as the “black hole effect”. This is because luminance levels inside
the tunnel are much lower than those outside and our eyes have difficulty
adapting to the sudden difference. To alleviate this effect, a higher,
“reinforced” level of lighting must therefore be provided at the tunnel
entrance. This will ensure that drivers can see objects within the correct
stopping distance before entering the tunnel. It will also help to prevent
them from slowing down, which is important to maintain optimal traffic
flow.

The amount of light required to avoid the black hole effect will depend on
the brightness outside the tunnel (sunny or cloudy weather). Luminance
measurements at portals are normally used to determine and adjust the
lighting levels required for the entrance zone.

In order to enable drivers’ eyes to adapt from the entrance zone lighting to
the interior zone lighting, the entrance lighting level is gradually reduced as
drivers move along the tunnel.

INTERIOR ZONE LIGHTING

Once drivers have adapted to the lower luminance levels in the tunnel,
sufficient lighting is needed in the interior zone for safe passage. Luminaires
in the interior zone are therefore spaced at regular intervals, throughout
the rest of the tunnel. Daytime and night-time levels of interior zone
lighting are controlled by a photoelectric cell.

The design of a lighting installation should respect several criteria, notably

those relating to the:

level of luminosity and lighting on the pavement

level of luminosity and lighting on the side walls
uniformity values for the different operating regimes
glare values.
Symetrical lighting

In symmetrical lighting systems, light is distributed symmetrically with

respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tunnel. An equal amount
of light is sent towards each end of the tunnel. This system is generally used
in the interior zone. It may be used in the entrance zone for tunnels which
have a slow approach speed or where there is not enough room to install
lighting fixtures above the carriageway.

Counterbeam lighting

Counterbeam systems project light in the direction of motorists, in

conditions that avoid dazzling. This type of system, which should be fitted
above the carriageway and facing the traffic flow, uses the photometric
properties of the pavement (brightness and specularity). It is suitable for
use in entrance zones if there is sufficient room to install light fixtures
above the carriageway. It has advantages in terms of investment costs and
operation costs, especially when the approach speed is relatively high (>70
km/h).
In addition to the type of lighting system, attention should also be paid to
coatings on the side walls of tunnels which can affect the overall efficiency
of the chosen system. For symmetrical lighting, wall coatings should
preferable be light coloured. In the case of counterbeam systems, darker,
but more specular coatings are preferred.
Depending on the characteristics of the tunnel and the type of lighting
system, the light fittings may be installed in one or more rows, above the
road or at the top of the side walls.

POWER SUPPLY
Most of the tunnel equipment and systems require electrical energy to
operate. Therefore, equipment for supplying power to the tunnel must be
installed. This installation has to satisfy two essential requirements:

Supply safe and sufficient power to allow all the equipment to operate
Meet the needs under all operational situations (normal, degraded, critical,
emergency).
The power required for supplying a tunnel is directly related to the nature
and number of equipment installed in it. Depending on the amount of
electrical energy required (kWh), power may be supplied in low voltage or
high voltage

Each country has its own regulatory requirements with regard to tunnels
and a specific structure in terms of distribution networks: therefore, the
architectures retained may be significantly different in tunnels with similar
characteristics. However, some identical principles can be noted, such as:

The presence of a standby power supply (redundant supply, diesel

generator, etc.),
The installation of a device that can compensate for a total loss of power
supply. This system (uninterruptible power supply (UPS), diesel generator.,
etc.) supplies electricity to equipment critical for safety, during a limited
period of time.
Roadway lighting is an important aspect of road safety and visibility,
especially at night. However, it also requires regular maintenance to ensure
its optimal performance and efficiency. Some of the maintenance
considerations in roadway lighting are:
The type and quality of the lighting fixtures and lamps. Different lighting
technologies have different lifespans, energy consumption, luminous
output, color rendering, and environmental impact. For example, LED
lamps are more energy-efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly
than conventional lamps, but they also have higher initial costs and may
require special drivers and controls.
The design and installation of the lighting system. The lighting system
should be designed to meet the specific needs and objectives of the
roadway, such as traffic volume, pedestrian and bicycle presence, speed
limit, geometry, land use, and aesthetics. The lighting system should also be
installed properly to ensure adequate illumination, uniformity, glare
control, and visibility.
The operation and control of the lighting system. The lighting system
should be operated and controlled to optimize its performance and
efficiency, as well as to adapt to changing conditions throughout the night.
For example, dimming or switching off some lights during low traffic
periods can save energy and reduce light pollution, while maintaining
safety and security.
The inspection and maintenance of the lighting system. The lighting system
should be inspected regularly to detect any faults or damages, such as
burned-out lamps, broken fixtures, loose wires, or vandalism. The lighting
system should also be maintained periodically to replace or repair any
defective components, clean the fixtures and lenses, adjust the aiming
angles, and calibrate the sensors and controllers.
LED lights are a good option for lighting tunnels and underpasses because
they last longer than conventional bulbs and give adequate light in dark
areas. They generate consistent brightness throughout the area, providing
safe passage for drivers and vehicles. LEDs are a good match for tunnel
applications because of the benefits of point sources integrated in solid-
state lighting fixtures. LED and solar cells can be used in combination to
eliminate contaminants such as mercury and avoid secondary
contamination from broken tubes

There are different types of LED fixtures that can be used for tunnel
lighting, such as LED canopy lights, vapor tight fixtures, and LED wall packs.
These fixtures have different features and advantages, such as high
efficiency, low maintenance, corrosion resistance, smart control systems,
and uniform light distribution

Tunnel lighting also requires an adequate lighting control system that can
adjust the light output and monitor the luminaires remotely. The lighting
control system should also take into account the natural penetration of
light, the safety of users, and the power outage scenarios. AEC
Illuminazione provides an intelligent control system that allows you to
manage the light flux and check the status of the road tunnel with ease
 TUNNELS AND UNDERPASSES &
MAINTENANCE CONSEDERATIONS IN ROADWAY LIGHTING
DESIGN.
2.11-2.12

Prepared By
ALBANO, KELDIN
PENDON, HANNA KRISTIE
RUBERTO, KHENVER LEE MARIE

2023