Heysen Tunnel Australia’s First Water Mist Fire Suppression System for Road Tunnels

Project Overview

The Heysen Tunnel, located near Adelaide, Australia, is a critical transport link, facilitating high daily traffic volumes. As part of the Heysen Tunnel Refit & Safety Upgrade Project, a state-of-the-art fire suppression system was required to enhance tunnel safety while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Australia

Heysen Tunnels

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Challenges

Traditional fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, were not ideal for tunnel environments due to their high-water consumption and potential for structural damage. The challenge was to implement a highly efficient, low-impact fire suppression solution that could effectively control tunnel fires while maintaining visibility for safe evacuations.

Solution

In collaboration with McConnell Dowell, LPG Fire Australia, and key infrastructure stakeholders, VID FIREKILL supplied and supported the installation of Australia’s first low-pressure water mist fire suppression system for a road tunnel.
> Low-pressure water mist technology was chosen for its ability to suppress fires rapidly while minimizing water usage.
> Precise nozzle design ensured optimal coverage, preventing fire spread while maintaining tunnel visibility.
> Seamless integration with existing infrastructure allowed for minimal downtime during installation.
> Compliance with international tunnel safety standards, setting a new benchmark for fire protection in Australian road tunnels.

Results

The Heysen Tunnel now benefits from a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, ensuring enhanced safety for drivers, emergency responders, and infrastructure. This project marks a significant step in modernizing fire protection in tunnels, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to world-class safety standards.
Learn more about VID FIREKILL’s tunnel fire suppression solutions here.
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