Višňové Tunnel from A to Z: How we technologically equipped the longest tunnel in Slovakia

The Višňové Tunnel is today just a few minutes' stretch of highway for drivers. However, behind this short passage lies an extensive technological system that ensures the safe and reliable operation of the tunnel 24 hours a day. At PPA CONTROLL, we participated in the design and implementation of its technological equipment - from the signing of the contract to the commissioning of the tunnel.

A project that builds on our experience

The Višňové Tunnel is another continuation of the projects in which the PPA CONTROLL group participated in the technological equipment of Slovak tunnels. These include, for example, the Branisko, Horelica, Bôrik, Považský Chlmec and Bikoš tunnels.

The National Highway Company announced PPA CONTROLL as the winner of the tender for the technological equipment of the Višňové Tunnel on August 7, 2023. The contract was signed on October 2, 2023.

The subject of the contract was the design and implementation of complete technological equipment for the Višňové tunnel and the information system of the D1 motorway on the Lietavská Lúčka - Višňové - Dubná Skala section, including warranty service.

The Višňové Tunnel became one of the company's key projects for a period of more than two years.

The longest road tunnel in Slovakia

Višňové Tunnel is part of the D1 motorway on the Lietavská Lúčka – Dubná Skala section. It is a two-tube motorway tunnel with a length of approximately 7,5 kilometers in each tube, which, after its commissioning, became the longest road tunnel in Slovakia.

Together with the connecting section, 13,5 kilometers of new highway were built, which significantly improved the traffic situation in northern Slovakia. Thanks to it, motorists will avoid long-term traffic jams below Strečno and the journey to the Tatras will be shortened by approximately 20 minutes.

The tunnel passes under Hoblík Hill and its two tubes are interconnected by 29 transverse connections. Of these, 19 serve as escape routes for pedestrians and 10 allow the passage of emergency vehicles.

Technologies that control the entire tunnel

The smooth passage of the tunnel is ensured by an extensive technological infrastructure. Its management is ensured by a central control system that monitors and controls all technological equipment in the tunnel.

This system processes approximately 14,000 input/output signals, giving operators a continuous overview of tunnel operations and technologies.

Tunnel operations are monitored by operators through a visualization system and video surveillance, which provides up-to-date information about what is happening in the tunnel and its surroundings.

Technological infrastructure in numbers

The technological equipment of the Višňové tunnel forms an extensive system consisting of thousands of devices and hundreds of kilometers of cabling. The main technological elements of the tunnel include, for example:

• 84 fans providing tunnel ventilation
• 1,029 LED lights main lighting
• 386 cameras camera system
• 120 SOS cabins for communication between drivers and operators
• 68 variable traffic signs traffic controllers
• 854 illuminated traffic signs warning about safety features
• 227 physical quantity sensors monitoring the environment in the tunnel

The technological infrastructure also includes an extensive cabling network:

• 543 kilometers of low-voltage cables
• 16 kilometers of high-voltage cables
• 143 kilometers of fiber optic cables

The tunnel is powered by two independent 22 kV connections from the Lietavská Lúčka and Vrútky substations, which ensure a stable supply of electricity for all technological equipment.

Technology as one functional system

All technological equipment in the tunnel is interconnected and functions as one coordinated system. The central control monitors individual technologies, evaluates data from the equipment and allows operators to react to the current situation in the tunnel.

Operators have predefined traffic and operational states at their disposal, which allow, for example, to adjust traffic signs, reduce speed in a tunnel, close a lane, or redirect traffic.

A project that people stand behind

Implementation technological equipment A project of this scale requires the coordination of a large number of experts. In the final phase of construction, an average of 125 workers worked on the project per day, ensuring the assembly of equipment, installation of cabling and integration of technological systems.

The Višňové Tunnel is today the result of this cooperation. For drivers, it means a faster and more comfortable connection to the north of Slovakia. For us in the PPA CONTROLL group, it is proof that modern transport infrastructure is based not only on construction solutions, but also on reliable technological systems that ensure its daily operation.