Henry E. Kinney Tunnel
Smart tunnel lighting system improves safety for drivers and streamlines operations for FDOT
The Henry E. Kinney Tunnel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been a crucial part of U.S. Route 1 since its construction in 1960. Owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), this vital infrastructure recently underwent a significant renovation to bring it up to modern standards and ensure its continued safe and efficient operation for years to come. The FDOT wanted a smart lighting solution to improve visibility in the tunnel and streamline operations.
A luminaire to suit the low tunnel configuration
One of the key challenges of this project was the tunnel's restricted headroom, which required a low-profile lighting solution that would not obstruct heavy goods vehicles. The Schréder OMNISTAR luminaire, with its slim profile and advanced photometry that maximises light output with minimal glare, proved ideal for this upgrade.
Over 350 OMNISTAR luminaires were installed along this 300m long tunnel – 234 deliver the reinforcement lighting to ensure a smooth driving experience when entering and exiting the tunnel and 148 light the interior zone, ensuring perfect visibility and comfort for drivers.
They are mounted on a mounting bracket, customised by Schréder to ensure a seamless integration.
Long-lasting lighting performance
Fitted with the latest generation of LEDs in a robust design (IP 66 / IK 10), the OMNISTAR will deliver a high-quality of light with significantly less energy for many years to come despite the highly corrosive and humid tunnel environment.
Innovative smart tunnel lighting technology
All of the luminaires are controlled by the ATS 4 DALI control system, co-developed with Phoenix Contact, a first in the USA. This system will enable FDOT to easily manage all tunnel lighting parameters remotely. For example, it will continuously adapt the light levels according to specific conditions such as weather, day mode, night mode and emergency sensor inputs, ensuring a gradual and comfortable change for drivers.
The ATS 4 DALI system also constantly monitors the luminaires to instantly report any potential failures and optimise operational efficiencies as technicians will know what to expect when called out, minimising closures and costs.
Strong partner collaboration for a successful completion
As with all tunnel projects, good partnerships are critical. Our team worked closely with Phoenix Contact, Gannett Fleming, Project Engineer of Record, RTech Engineering, the electrical contractor and LEAD Engineering, the general contractor, from the initial design stages through to the commissioning to deliver a smart tunnel lighting solution that harmoniously integrates the low tunnel ceiling and meets the customer’s expectations.
The new tunnel lighting ensures that all motorists benefit from a safer and more comfortable tunnel environment.
