Germany: SPIE is upgrading Munich tunnels with eco-friendly LED lighting | SPIE

Munich, 24 September 2024 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is upgrading the Heckenstaller and Luise-Kiesselbach tunnels on Munich’s Mittlerer Ring South-West with modern LED lighting. The low-maintenance, long-life LEDs offer annual energy savings of around 50% compared to the previous fluorescent tubes and ensure even safer 24-hour continuous operation of the multi-lane tunnels. A software system automatically adjusts the luminaires based on changing lighting conditions. The work is scheduled to begin in October 2024 and is expected to be completed by February 2025.

SPIE is handling every aspect of this project, from replacing a total of 3,350 luminaires across more than two kilometres to managing the project, planning and installing the energy-efficient LED technology. This also includes responsibly disposing of the old fluorescent tubes and their associated systems.

The Mittlerer Ring in Munich is one of the busiest routes in Germany. To minimise disruption to traffic in the consecutive tunnels, installation will take place exclusively during night shifts, within tightly controlled time windows between 10:00 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. “In close coordination with the City of Munich, we will close one lane at night for the work,” explains Michael Hartmann, Project Manager and Head of Electrical Engineering in the CityNetworks & Grids operational division at SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa. Since there are no storage areas within the tunnel, the main logistical challenge lies in the precise timing of deliveries for the new technology, which must be installed immediately upon arrival.

SPIE has been executing projects for the City of Munich since 1965. “Challenging projects require both expertise and flexibility,” says Norman Macik, Head of the South Bavaria branch of the CityNetworks & Grids operational division. “Our infrastructure technologies are helping us pave the way for a more sustainable future.”