Technology Helps Tunnel Travelers Stay Safe

The Highway 99 Tunnel may not be easing Seattle’s gridlock, but at least tunnel travelers will get cell service while they are stuck in traffic 200 feet underground. Thanks to a network of technology systems, there is strong cell service the entire length of the tunnel as well as plenty of safety features. The technology includes 13 miles of fiber optic cables, 95 miles of electrical wiring and 15 miles of lights.

For safety, the $1.4B tunnel is equipped with 300 incident and security cameras, automated ventilation and sprinkler systems and Advanced RF Technologies’ connectivity system that provides a sophisticated antenna system that is spread between five electrical rooms embedded in the tunnel.

The equivalent of cellphone repeaters are installed throughout the tunnel, KOMO News reports. In the case of an emergency, engineers will interrupt the radio to give drivers safety instructions. 

Here are more details on how the system works.

 

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Seattle Newsletters
Related Stories

Google Delays Thompson Center Opening To 2028, Releases New Renderings

Sovereign Fund Backs £500M Subterranean West End Development

Historic Brooklyn Hotel To Be Turned Into Ritz-Carlton-Branded Condos

Philly Has The Fundamentals. Now It Has To Reduce The Risk Of Building

How Companies Can Eliminate Shadow AI And Gain Value From Artificial Intelligence Tools

Design Plans Revealed For RFK Stadium Parking Garages, Headed To Review

SpaceX Sues Texas AG, Grimes County Over Terafab Project Information

Anthropic Doubling Local Presence With Cambridge Office Lease

Retail Dynasty Pushes Button On Pair Of London Coliving Schemes

1,300 Projects Potentially Paused Due To Suspension Of Quality Inspectors

EXCLUSIVE: Georgia-Pacific Scraps Conversion Plans For Its Atlanta HQ

Miami Is 'Desperate' For A New Office Tower. It's About To Get 2