Leidsche Rijn Tunnel
Smart tunnel lighting solution reduces energy costs and carbon emissions for greener infrastructure
The Leidsche Rijn Tunnel was built in the city of Utrecht to relieve traffic congestion in the Leidsche Rijn district. Schréder had supplied the original tunnel lighting for this 1,650 metre long tunnel but after 15 years of operation, Rijkswaterstaat Midden-Nederland decided to upgrade the lighting to save energy and have a more sustainable lighting solution. Tunnel LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, which also significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Schréder and Phoenix Contact were commissioned to provide a smart tunnel lighting system for this tunnel upgrade.
Better quality of light with fewer luminaires
The highly efficient TFLEX MODULE was chosen to light the tunnel, reducing the number of luminaires installed from 2,256 to 1,253. This significant decrease will lead to a substantial reduction in energy consumption, resulting in high energy savings.
The TFLEX MODULE is a highly modular tunnel lighting solution and is available with several optics to perfectly meet all tunnel requirements. TFLEX MODULES 1 and 2, with 80 and 160 LEDs respectively, have already been installed in the Parallelbaan West tube. Installation in the other tubes is being phased to minimise disruption to traffic and will be completed by the end of 2024.
Less and easier maintenance operations
The high-pressure sodium lamps in the old fixtures lasted on average 16,000 hours and had to be replaced approximately every 2 years. Thanks to the long life of the LEDs in the TFLEX MODULE, this will no longer be necessary as they have a service life of approximately 130,000 hours (15 years), significantly reducing maintenance interventions and costs.
In the future, the LED optic could easily be removed and upgraded to more advanced technology, enabling Rijkswaterstaat Midden-Nederland to reap the benefits.
Lighting that adapts to critical entrance zone to improve safety
Light levels for the critical tunnel entrance zone were previously adjusted to pre-programmed levels managed by an L20 camera near the entrance. The tunnel lighting has been enhanced with an LFV (Logic Functional Block) system that continuously adjusts the light levels throughout the day according to natural daylight, in accordance with Dutch tunnel lighting standards. This ensures excellent visibility for all drivers entering the tunnel, thereby reinforcing safety in the tunnel.
Connected technology for sustainable tunnel lighting
All of the luminaires are controlled by technology from Phoenix Contact. Each luminaire is monitored and can be controlled individually to optimise the tunnel lighting system. The light levels are continuously adjusted to comply with Dutch lighting standards and maximise user safety. By adapting the light levels to what is absolutely necessary, the lighting installation consumes even less energy, further reducing costs and carbon emissions.
The entire renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.