The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) undertook a project to upgrade the Kilbourn and Howell tunnels, which were originally built in the 1960s. The $1.8-million project aimed to install a modern lighting and control system to improve visibility and safety in Milwaukee County’s tunnels.

The Kilbourn tunnels are located under the Milwaukee Public Museum and its parking garage, while the Howell Avenue Tunnel runs under the runway of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

WisDOT selected the TLACS-U smart lighting control system from Nyx Hemera Technologies for its many advantages, including easier remote control and monitoring, greater safety for road users, increased energy savings, and improved visibility within the tunnels. The system controls and monitors 545 LED luminaires.

 The commissioned tunnels were:

• Kilbourn Tunnel:
  • The I-43 exit ramp tunnel to Kilbourn Avenue, approximately 1,300 feet long
  • The entrance ramp tunnel to the interstate, approximately 1,250 feet long
  • 179 day luminaires, 25 night luminaires, 25 emergency luminaires
• Howell Tunnel:
  • One 2-bore tunnel, approximately 800 feet long
  • 284 day luminaires, 16 night luminaires, 16 emergency luminaires

Characteristics:

• Retrofit
• 2 tunnels
• 545 LED luminaires (Kilbourn + Howell tunnels)

Solution: TLACS-U