Middle East
|
|
|
Doha: CCTV Cameras Monitor New Tunnel
- Tue, Jan 26 2010 09:28:48 PM
Doha, Jan 26 (Gulf Times): The recently opened Ras Abu Aboud tunnel, which links Corniche with the Wakrah Road, is being monitored round-the-clock through CCTV cameras to ensure smooth and safe flow of traffic.
Described as Qatar’s first road tunnel, it was completed in two years and two months as part of the last stage of the Ras Abu Aboud Road project launched by the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee.
Al-Haram (left), Sahli, Gogna, and al-Subaey (fourth, fifth and sixth from left, respectively) with other officials inside the tunnel yesterday. Below: A view of a monitor, in the tunnel control room, showing multiple camera views and status of the display screens. PICTURES: Jayan Orma
One of the newest tunnel management systems in Qatar has been deployed in the two-lane one-way link to the QR1.5bn project which includes a four-lane carriageway, two tunnels, 21 bridges and almost 58km of roads.
“The images from multiple cameras are relayed to monitors in the on-site control room from where an operator could relay messages to electronic display screens and alert motorists,” project manager Mohamed Sahli told Gulf Times yesterday.
The signs on the display boards, including the speed limit, inside the 330m tunnel could be changed within seconds, if required, depending on the traffic conditions.
Some of the cameras also measure speed of the vehicles. “Presently, we are in the process of compiling data in order to finalise an appropriate speed limit inside the tunnel,” Sahli explained.
The brightness of the tunnel’s halogen lighting is automatically adjusted proportionate to the intensity of the light outside, which is measured by a camera at the entrance.
“This is to ensure that motorists do not experience a major variation in the light as they enter the tunnel, travel through it and exit,” the official said.
Sophisticated pollution monitoring equipment ensures adequate ventilation in the tunnel, which also has emergency telephone links to the control room.
“Two of the main challenges we faced during construction was the proximity of the tunnel site to the sea and the presence of rocky material,” Sahli recalled.
Being close to the sea meant groundwater level on the construction site had to be constantly brought down. The removal of rocky material was also tough.
NDIA Steering Committee director Bernardo Gogna revealed that the area around the tunnel and its vicinity is to be landscaped and installed with lighting systems.
“Some artistic installations would also be installed on the walls of the tunnel during the second phase of the project,” he explained. Midmac-Yuksel JV was the contractor.
Civil Aviation Authority’s finance and administration director and NDIA Steering Committee director Abdullah bin Nasser al-Subaey, and Civil Aviation Authority’s public relations and media unit head Abdulrahim Mohamed al-Haram were also present on the occasion