The existing tunnels are located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) north of Hope BC. The tunnels were constructed in the late 1950’s. In 2019, DMD undertook a condition assessment of the existing lighting. The assessment recommendation was to replace the entire electrical and tunnel lighting system. This included power distribution, electrical conduit, wiring, new mounting systems etc. To complicate matters, the existing tunnels had an existing liner over the concrete which contained asbestos. The purpose of the liner is to channel water into the drainage system which is being refined as part of a separate project. The liner was to remain, therefore, dealing with asbestos required specific measures to meet health and safety requirements.
DMD undertook LSEQ evaluations to define threshold lighting levels and then developed design criteria to suit. To complete the LSEQ, we used solar plotting software to define the location of the sun to define the optimal time to do the LSEQ. A complete lighting design criteria was developed and submitted for client approval. This included emergency lighting design to NFPA 502 standards.
The design included the preparation of drawings, estimates and cost estimates for tendering by the client. As part of the design innovative lighting controls were selected to improve visibility and reduce power consumption. The lighting design was done using AGI32 software. The project was tendered through a conventional bid build process and will be completed in October 2023. The project was constructed well under budget. The final testing and commissioning was completed in October 2023.
