A1(M) Hatfield Tunnel Refurbishment

The Hatfield Tunnel forms part of the Trans-European Road Network and is located between Junctions 3 and 4 on the A1(M). The tunnel refurbishment was the first of the three improvement projects to be completed. Originally constructed in 1985, the mechanical and electrical systems within the 0.75 mile tunnel had reached the end of their design life. The refurbishment was necessary to:

• improve safety
• minimise future maintenance costs
• upgrade the structure to comply with new European standards

New monitoring equipment has also been installed and linked to the new control systems in the Highways Agency’s Regional Control Centre.
The work was completed on time in May 2011 and on budget. Major works to the tunnel have included:

• upgrading and fully refurbishing the tunnel equipment in line with latest standards and legislation
• full strip out and concrete repair
• re-equipping the tunnel with new mechanical and electrical systems
• additional operational safety measures and introduction of passive fire protection
• the installation of CCTV cameras to help traffic officers spot and clear up incidents in the tunnel more quickly