WSP is a recognised industry leader in the operational approach to the performance of transportation systems and networks. Through this approach we:
— Enable the safe operation of transportation networks through a ‘whole system’ approach using the right combination of people, process, human factors, systems, technology and infrastructure.
— Establish the operational vision for a scheme from a detailed understanding of the required outcomes.
Our approach delivers the key operational elements and functions, central to the safe and effective management of traffic across the whole route, including the tunnel and surrounding roads. We deliver the key operational documents and protocols including the Concept of Operations, Tunnel Operations Plan, Minimum Operating Requirements, Maintenance Strategies, Emergency Management plans and Incident Plans.
We work closely with stakeholders to develop the required range of routine and non-routine traffic operations scenarios to be considered in the scheme’s development. We also develop innovative solutions to mitigate against Human Factors which are primarily associated with anxiety and the unfamiliar road environment.
Our specialist services include:
Tunnel safety
Delivering a safe tunnel environment requires integration of all aspects of the technical design, including lighting, ventilation, communications, technology, mechanical engineering and public health services. It is vital that the tunnel provides an environment that can sustain life across a full range of operating scenarios via its infrastructure and technology systems provision. We have successfully refined the proven hazard log methodology that underpins the development of smart motorways and applied it to tunnel projects, developing the risk framework for decision support in road tunnels. This approach assesses collective risk, at the overall system level, allowing tunnel owners, designers and operators to identify and focus on managing the key risks that have the most significant impact on the safety of the system.
Fire life safety
WSP has extensive capability for tunnel fire safety engineering across all sectors, including rail and road tunnels. Our wide range of expertise includes developing fire strategies for life safety and asset protection, risk analysis, fire and evacuation modelling, developing active and passive fire engineering measures and witnessing fire performance materials assessment for compliance.
Tunnel ventilation
WSP has a strong Australian team of tunnel ventilation specialists. Our engineers have expertise in quantifying the ventilation requirements of various types of tunnel networks and have developed and adopted a range of analysis and design tools and methods to assess and optimise aerodynamic and thermodynamic performance.
We operate through all project stages, including Feasibility and Concept Design; Reference and Detailed Design; development of specifications; on-site commissioning and handover; operation and management of facilities; and refurbishment commissions. By combining our expertise of ventilation analysis, design, and asset appraisals, we reduce the whole of life cost and risk to the project, as well as improve the sustainability outcomes for our clients.
Tunnel lighting
WSP has one of the largest teams of lighting engineers, featuring global specialists in tunnel lighting. Lighting, both inside and on the approaches of tunnels, is important because of the way our eyes adapt to different lighting levels. We identify the varying lighting needs so that our lighting systems are designed to adjust with the user journey, making them feel safe and comfortable on approach and once inside the tunnel. Our lighting designs are energy efficient, using the latest technologies in addressable systems and light sources. We also consider the environmental impacts of the tunnel on its surroundings, the impact of the tunnel interior on the equipment used and how the final design minimises light pollution on the local environment in the vicinity of the portals.
Tunnel controls and communications
Tunnel communications infrastructure are the hidden systems that keep the tunnel running. We work with our lighting, power and drainage teams to develop solutions that maintain the tunnel operation without impacting tunnel journeys. WSP has delivered control and communications infrastructure designs from concept all the way through delivery to handover to operations, interfacing with a broad range of systems and suppliers. In partnership with our tunnel fire and ventilation experts, we have experience in safety critical ventilation, drainage management and control systems. We review how these are controlled in the event of tunnel fires and incidents, keeping air pollution in the tunnel environment under control and containing drainage pollution incidents.
Project, program and commercial management
WSP is proven in managing and installing new and upgraded tunnel systems in construction and live environments. Project and program management is in our DNA; for decades we have delivered thousands of projects on schedule and within budget, while ensuring that all operational requirements are safely met. Successful projects demand strong commercial management and leadership, robust commercial controls, strategic procurement advice, and a sound contracting strategy. If applied throughout project planning and execution, our management of projects and contracts consistently deliver successful project outcomes for our clients.
Australia
