Deluge of activity behind tunnel closure - Local Matters

November 7, 2024 12:16pm

Hibiscus Matters

Nov 7, 2024 12:16pm

The emergency exercise behind the recent overnight closure of SH1 Silverdale-Warkworth was deemed a success by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Auckland system management alliance manager Paul Geck, said, “It allowed us to test our emergency response in a tunnel on a critical route with minimum disruption to customers.”

Organised by Waka Kotahi, the Johnstone Hill tunnel exercise ran from 10pm to midnight on October 21. It involved representatives from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Auckland Transport Operations Centre, Pūhoi to Warkworth, and Auckland System management (ASM).

“This was an opportunity for multiple agencies to work together to test our response to a general emergency and identify any areas for improvement,” Geck said.

Waitematā Fire District Assistant Commander, Katie Pocock, said, “Tunnels provide unique operational challenges, systems, resources and hazards for operational personnel so this was a training opportunity that Fire and Emergency were quick to utilise.”

Silverdale, Warkworth and Puhoi fire brigades all participated in the multi-agency exercise led by ASM’s tunnel asset manager. The scenario was that a small contracting vehicle transporting a herbicide broke down and caught fire on a Friday afternoon. It involved a fire and some hazardous substance management. The exercise also utilised the sprinkler/deluge system which meant the tunnel had to be closed for the live test.

Pocock said these exercises provide opportunities for agencies to share knowledge, experience and resources in a learning environment to ensure they can work efficiently and productively when they are tested in a real life emergency situation.

Emergency exercises are held annually, rotating between each of Auckland’s three tunnels. A Victoria Park tunnel emergency exercise took place in June last year and Waterview tunnel is scheduled for next year.

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