Scottish tech firm’s knowhow will aid motorist safety in UK’s longest road tunnels

The complex connectivity project will aid emergency services in keeping motorists travelling through Liverpool’s two Mersey tunnels safe and able to respond to incidents.

The contract was completed by Glasgow-based Exchange Communications in partnership with network giant VodafoneThree, on behalf of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. It was one of the biggest connectivity infrastructure projects of its kind in the UK.

Exchange Communications built and installed a distributed antenna system, which is a network of antennas that enhances wireless coverage in buildings or, in this case, the Kingsway and Queensway Mersey tunnels (1.5 and 2.1 miles long, respectively), which see some 30 million motorist journeys every year.

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 to 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.”

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Tom Sime, chief executive of Exchange Communications, said: “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 kilometres 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.

“Having been involved right from the day the project kicked off, it is a very proud moment to see the system go live and have a positive impact on emergency services and motorists in Liverpool.”

Exchange Communications has been responsible for creating some of the most connected public spaces in the UK, including shopping centres, hospitals, arenas, football stadiums, hotels and some of the country’s key travel hubs.