'Transformational' Mersey Tunnels radio system installed - here's what it will do
A “transformational” radio system has been installed in the Mersey Tunnels, in one of the “biggest” projects of its kind.
Completed by Exchange Communications, in partnership with VodafoneThree and on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the new system aims to aid emergency services in keeping motorists safe.
Exchange Communications built and installed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which is a network of antennas that enhances wireless coverage, in both the Kingsway and Queensway Mersey Tunnels.
Steve Wake, Principal Officer (Electrical and Systems) at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “Mersey Tunnels used a legacy radio system which was coming to the end of its life. This led us the project with Exchange Communications and VodafoneThree to replace it with a new system with increased functionality.
“The system includes FM and DAB services which means we have the ability to use it to update motorists and the general public in the event of an emergency in the tunnels.”
Anthony Tierney, Chief Officer for Mersey Tunnels Police said the new system will make it “easier than ever” for emergency services to have clear lines of communication.
He added: “For motorists using the tunnels, they’ll have better mobile network coverage which will aid them contacting emergency services in the event of a breakdown or accident, in addition to the emergency roadside telephones located throughout the tunnels.”
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Regarding the delivery of the project, Tom Sime, CEO of Exchange Communications added: “This was a complex project as we had short working windows during the tunnels planned timetable of night closures and engineering time to install seven and a half kilometers of cable over a six month period.
“Throughout the project we worked closely with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Mersey Tunnels Police to design and deliver a system that has improved communications within the tunnels and future-proofed it as it is now able to adapt to ever-changing advancements in technology such as AI and IOT.