The tunnel construction and improvements (FOI)

​Request

Under the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 I would like to request the following:

In regards to the tunnel in St. Helier

A

When did the tunnel open?

B

How much did the tunnel cost to build?

C

Since said date how many improvements have been made?

D

Where does the metal gate halfway down the tunnel lead?

E

In the tunnels history have the lights been updated prior to 2018, if so, when and how much.

Response

A

The tunnel was constructed in 1968 and 1969 and officially opened on 25 February 1970.

B

The cost of the construction was £441,550, including the £110,000 land acquisition costs for either end.

C

Major improvements to the tunnel were:

In 1993 the tunnel was clad in plastic coated metal sheeting to achieve two purposes; to direct water from the roof of the tunnel down the sides, making it drier for vehicles and pedestrians to pass through and also to improve the reflectivity of the lighting.

The road was resurfaced in 2012.

Minor improvements are associated with regular maintenance to the lighting, changing electrical components for the lighting controls.

The fire points were removed and recesses enclosed in 2015.

D

They lead nowhere. There are two recesses on the north wall that were originally installed to hold firefighting equipment and a phone. They are less than a metre in depth. The recess on the south wall houses the electrical control equipment.

Photographs of tunnel recesses

E

Yes, in 1979 to 1980 the lighting installation was replaced with high pressure sodium luminaires within three zones; two transitions at the ends of the tunnel and one central zone. The cost of the installation is not available as the retention period for financial information only extends for 10 years.