SwiftGate for Pennsylvania Turnpike

The Tuscarora Mountain Tunnel consists of individual two-lane highway tunnels through the Tuscarora Mountain between Huntingdon and Franklin Counties in rural Pennsylvania. Each tunnel is around 1.6km long with portal buildings at each end. As part of a rehabilitation project, Versilis, based in Quebec, Canada, was selected by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to supply a permanent automated lane closure system at each tunnel approach.
October 19, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Two series of SwiftGate HSG-18CW automated gate systems facilitate the lane shifts during lane closure in the Tuscarora Mountain Tunnel

Tunnel closure using standard maintenance of traffic procedures can take up to 45 minutes or 90 minutes to open and close. This reduces the night-time work window. The solution was to install two series of SwiftGate HSG-18CW automated gate systems - 38 gates in all – to facilitate the lane shifts required as part of tunnel closures.

A taper of automated gates is deployed in less than five minutes. The gate system can be operated locally using the Versilis RF Handheld Remote Control or remotely using the Versilis web page. Full integration of the gates within the tunnel SCADA traffic management centre system is underway as part of another project. The Versilis SwiftGate HSG-18CW is crash-tested to NCHRP-350 requirements. Each gate has a very narrow mechanism footprint, allowing installation on a narrow median barrier wall.

Gate arms offer increased visibility in order to send a clear message to motorists that an access is closed. The Versilis communication hardware allows different operation and monitoring options as well as easy integration into a traffic management centre system using NTCIP protocol.

Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Latest innovations in GPS and machine control
    February 22, 2012
    Modern satellite technology is making life easier for everyone on the construction site and in the office. Most major equipment manufacturers are now integrating GPS machine control systems into the design of excavators, bulldozers, pavers, and motor graders. For stake-less work it is a major component for automatic grading, surveying, and excavating systems, with contractors and construction companies using GPS machine control systems to improve operations.
    Read More
  • Intermat launch for more Cat E-series excavators
    April 11, 2012
    Caterpillar is introducing a revised line-up of 20-24 tonne E Series crawler excavators at Intermat 2012. The 320E, 323E and the reduced radius 320E RR adopt the EU Stage IIIB Cat C6.6 ACERTTM engine, providing reduced emissions and fuel consumption savings of up to 11% compared to other D Series models. A wider range of cab seating, including heating and cooling options, comes with the new E Series crawler excavators. Time delay lighting, additional safety handrails and improved serviceability are also sai
    Read More
  • INTERMAT launch for more Cat E-series excavators
    May 3, 2012
    Caterpillar is introducing a revised line-up of 20-24 tonne E Series crawler excavators at Intermat 2012. The 320E, 323E and the reduced radius 320E RR adopt the EU Stage IIIB Cat C6.6 ACERTTM engine, providing reduced emissions and fuel consumption savings of up to 11% compared to other D Series models. A wider range of cab seating, including heating and cooling options, comes with the new E Series crawler excavators. Time delay lighting, additional safety handrails and improved serviceability are also sai
    Read More
  • Defining the standards for asphalt road surfaces
    February 20, 2012
    Materials used to construct roads must meet defined standards to offer a variety of solutions including durability, smoothness and long life. The need for the regular testing of materials used in highway construction is now a must on all projects. It is essential to make sure that the materials used in producing roads meet defined standards and offer durability, smoothness and long life.
    Read More

Highlighted Content