Projects
→
TT2 Limited, Tyne Tunnels Control System Upgrade
Morson Praxis were appointed by TT2 Limited as the Control Systems Integrator for a series of control system upgrades across the Tyne Tunnels, ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and intelligent operation of one of the North East’s most important transport routes.
Client Brief
A Unified, Reliable and Future-Proof System
The Tyne Tunnels are a key part of the regional transport infrastructure, carrying tens of thousands of vehicles daily under the River Tyne.
TT2 required a modernised, integrated control system to replace ageing infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency, safety response and data monitoring. The new system needed to deliver redundancy, resilience and intelligent automation while providing operators with a single, unified interface for managing both tunnels.
Project Overview
Two Tunnels, One Integrated System
The project was delivered in two phases: implementing a new control system for the newly built Tyne Tunnel and replacing the legacy system in the existing tunnel. Both tunnels now operate as a twin-bore, bi-directional system managed from a state-of-the-art control room, monitoring and controlling key functions such as fire safety, incident detection, communications, traffic management, and tunnel environment systems.
Image Gallery
Next-generation control integration for the Tyne Tunnels.
Our Solution
Intelligent Integration and Automation
Morson Praxis’ control systems specialists designed and implemented a fully integrated control and monitoring solution using Vijeo Citect SCADA, Hot Standby Schneider Quantum PLCs, and Ethernet-based distributed I/O.
A key feature of the system is its Incident Response Decision Support System, which automatically detects tunnel incidents — such as stopped vehicles, fires, or pollution build-up — and advises operators on recommended actions including ventilation, signage, public announcements and emergency suppression.
Both tunnel bores are managed by independent PLC systems for the Environmental Control System (ECS) and Traffic Control and Monitoring System (TCMS), with each utilising separate VLANs to maintain robust network segregation and security.
Once tested and proven, the two SCADA applications were seamlessly merged into a single, unified Vijeo Citect client, allowing operators to view alarms, trends, and system status from one central interface.
In addition, Morson Praxis’ engineers designed and installed a high-availability Cisco-based network infrastructure, providing the resilience and performance necessary for modern control and monitoring systems.
Results
Integrated, Resilient, and Operator-Friendly
The upgraded control systems now provide TT2 with:
-
Seamless, unified control of both tunnels from a single interface
-
Improved incident response times through automation and decision support
-
Enhanced system resilience via dual redundant SCADA and PLC systems
-
Future-ready network infrastructure designed for scalability and security
-
Improved safety and operational visibility for tunnel operators and road users
The Tyne Tunnels now operate with a next-generation control and monitoring platform, ensuring safe, efficient and intelligent management for years to come.
