Fixed Fire Suppression for Eisenhower and Johnson Tunnels: Improving Facilities by Leveraging Nontransportation Expertise

Abstract

Colorado’s state highway system contains more than 20,000 lane miles, of which less than 20 lane miles are conveyed through tunnels. Therefore, critical tunnel systems such as mechanical and electrical, systems computer controls, and closed-system hydraulics are a small fraction of Colorado’s highway system. However, the use of such systems is certain to become more widespread in the future as the state works to improve the resiliency, security, and reliability of its transportation network. Colorado’s Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel fixed fire suppression system is an example of how such improved technologies can be successfully deployed by using the design–build contracting method to bring knowledge and expertise to a state’s department of transportation.