GDDKiA: coverage in the tunnel of the Southern Bypass of Warsaw is not necessary - its lack is the fault of the operators

GDDKiA announced that the security systems integrated with the Tunnel Management Center along the S2 expressway of the Southern Bypass of Warsaw (S2 POW) will ensure communication with emergency services without the need to use mobile phones. The center will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recently, operators have protested that the tunnel builders are not allowing them to lay the so-called leaking cable to ensure mobile network coverage in the tunnel. The infrastructure for all operators is to be built by PLAY.

The Tunnel Management Center (CZT) will be responsible for managing the systems installed in the tunnel along S2 POW. It will receive information from sensors and cameras installed in both aisles. Employees of our Center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will monitor the situation in the tunnel and ensure the safety of its users. They will be supported by modern control, safety and traffic management systems in quick identification of potential threats and appropriate response.

Monitoring in the tunnel will be carried out through advanced and extensive security systems. They will include linear fire detectors located under each lane and video monitoring with 130 cameras. It has been equipped with the function of identifying events, e.g. wrong-way driving, as well as the function controlling the number of vehicles entering and leaving the tunnel.

GDDKiA: coverage in the Warsaw Southern Ring Road tunnel is not necessary - its lack is the fault of the operators

Along the entire length of the tunnel (approximately every 125 m), niches with alarm points were built in the outer walls (19 niches in each aisle). Each niche will be equipped with an emergency telephone, two fire extinguishers and a fire blanket. In addition, it will be equipped with an alarm siren, which will act as a sound warning system.

The European Union's tunnel directive contains a description of the safety requirements that tunnels included in the trans-European road network must meet. According to these provisions, the tunnel near Ursynów will be equipped with a basic and emergency power supply system, as well as basic, emergency and evacuation lighting.

In the ventilation system, a carbon monoxide and nitric oxide concentration measurement system will be installed. Visibility in the tunnel will be automatically controlled, and sensors will be able to detect and signal a fire. The facility near Ursynów will be equipped with a network of alarm points and a radio communication system for rescue and security services. The tunnel also houses fire hydrants, drainage, storm water, fire and drainage systems.

There are walkways built along the walls of the tunnel, which will function as evacuation routes if necessary. Every 250 meters there are also passages between the tunnel tubes, and information about the distance to these passages can be found on the emergency lighting boards.

GDDKiA describes cooperation with mobile operators in the communication as follows:

After receiving in March 2020 the concept of assumptions related to strengthening the GSM signal in the tunnel, we started talks with representatives of commercial telecommunications network operators. At the beginning of 2020, after the operators presented technical documentation, these talks became substantive. The first talks between operators and GDDKiA took place at the end of 2016, but it was only in March 2020 that we received the concept of assumptions related to strengthening the GSM signal in the tunnel, which allowed us to start further talks. GDDKiA indicated to the applicants the conditions that they should meet in order to conclude an agreement necessary for the commercial expansion of the GSM network, however, they have not been accepted to date. In addition, telecommunication network operators have introduced additional requirements regarding the location of antennas on exhaust gas discharge tubes - which is not possible for design reasons.

It should be emphasized that currently designed and implemented tunnel equipment systems ensure the highest level of safety. However, we do not see any obstacles to additionally increase the comfort of the tunnel for users, and therefore we are open to further talks with telecommunications operators. We hope that they will be substantive and constructive.

The operation of telephones, including emergency telephones in the tunnel, does not affect the safety of its users. The basic role in this regard will be played by a group of qualified CZT employees monitoring the situation in the tunnel 24 hours a day using advanced security systems and cameras.

Worth reading: The longest tunnel in Poland for now without mobile coverage