Učka Tunnel Project: Integration of Technology and Engineering
Recently, the Učka Tunnel has been revealed in its full glory. Following the construction of the new tunnel tube last year, the old, renovated tube was also opened to traffic in the autumn of this year.
The construction of the second tube enabled bidirectional traffic in separate tubes, while the original tube required reconstruction and modernization with state-of-the-art systems. Through the construction of the second tube and the reconstruction of the first, with a total length of over ten kilometres, the tunnel’s capacity has been significantly increased, traffic flow accelerated, and safety enhanced in line with the highest European standards.
The main contractor was the construction company Bouygues Travaux Publics, specialized in infrastructure projects, while Eccos Engineering was responsible for equipping the tunnel with advanced safety and power systems. Bina-Istra, as a proactive concessionaire, continually strives to provide top-quality service to users of the Istrian Y motorway.
A Tunnel Equipped with State-of-the-Art Technology
Both tunnel tubes of the Učka Tunnel have been equipped with key systems that ensure functionality and safety. State-of-the-art equipment for power supply, lighting, signalling, and ventilation has been installed, along with fire detection, communication, and video surveillance systems, as well as traffic management and signalling systems. We were involved in all phases of the tunnel equipment installation—from design, through installation and configuration of each system, to the final integration of all systems into a single intelligent whole.
The tunnel is equipped with the latest-generation cameras that enable video analytics based on artificial intelligence. Every metre of the tunnel is covered by cameras that alert operators in the control centre to any disruption of normal traffic flow (automatic traffic incident detection). The system can detect stopped vehicles, excessively slow or fast driving, pedestrians on the roadway, traffic congestion, reduced visibility, scattered cargo, and driving in the wrong direction. Lighting is implemented using low-energy, environmentally friendly LED technology throughout the entire length of the tunnel, with adjustable light intensity to match external conditions and tunnel lighting, thereby increasing driving comfort. Ventilation is provided by bidirectional jet fans connected into a unified system, which, supported by sensors monitoring air quality and airflow speed, maintains air quality within required limits. In addition, the ventilation system is integrated with the fire detection system. In the event of a fire, ventilation operates in fire mode, which is essential for safe evacuation and damage mitigation. Variable traffic signalling enables more efficient traffic management through the tunnel, both during normal operation and in incident situations. A redundant power supply system ensures the continuous and reliable operation of all tunnel systems.
An Impressive Control and Monitoring Centre
To achieve the highest level of safety, all systems must be interconnected. At the tunnel, all safety systems are integrated via the Epsimax—our integration platform—which, together with the SCADA system, serves as the primary tool for tunnel monitoring and control. SCADA, i.e., the Central Monitoring and Control System (CMCS), provides a comprehensive overview and control of all key traffic components of the tunnel, with a positional overview displayed on a scaled-down representation of the entire tunnel. While traffic management is a key function of the SCADA system, detailed monitoring of the power supply system and timely alerts are the foundation of the stable operation of the entire facility. Epsimax enables integration of various technical and safety systems and, in addition to real-time monitoring, provides continuous data analysis, significantly facilitating tunnel supervision and rapid response in the event of incidents.
In the impressive control centre, equipped with a 24-screen video wall and a modern control console, two operators monitor and manage all systems of both tunnel tubes 24 hours a day.
The complexity of the systems and their interconnection had to be implemented within a relatively short timeframe, with special emphasis on flawless system performance. This task demonstrates our expertise in delivering the most complex infrastructure projects, achieved in this case through excellent cooperation with the civil works contractor. With advanced integration solutions, the Učka Tunnel sets new standards in safety, efficiency, and comfort for all users.
