Ucka Tunnel
Smart lighting technology ensures a safe driving experience for motorists with low running costs
The Ucka Tunnel is part of the A8 motorway, connecting the Kvarner region with the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. It traverses the Ucka mountain range, providing a crucial link between the two regions.
The tunnel consists of two tubes, each carrying two lanes of traffic. The original tunnel tube, which opened to traffic on 27th September 1981, is just over 5 kilometres long. A second tube was inaugurated on 13th September 2024 and is slightly longer at 5.64km, making it the third longest tunnel in Croatia.
Schréder has a long history with this tunnel having installed the tunnel lighting in the first tube with low-pressure sodium lamps when it opened in 1981. In 2021, BINA Istra, which manages the infrastructure of the Istrian Y motorway, contracted the electrical installation for the new tube to Eccos. After launching a tender for a modern LED lighting solution, Eccos chose Schréder with a proposal that integrated smart lighting technology with the TFLEX range of luminaires and the ATS 4 DALI control system.
TFLEX, a range of tunnel luminaires for every zone
The TFLEX range of tunnel luminaires provides the ideal solution for all the critical entrance, threshold and interior zones of a tunnel.
The TFLEX COMBI was installed at the entrances and exits to meeting the stringent luminance requirements and provide a smooth transition between natural daylight and the tunnel lighting for drivers. This highly flexible solution provides the exact lighting required by the photometric study for each specific tunnel. We delivered the luminaires with the necessary mounting and cabling to ensure an easy and quick installation for the tunnel geometry.
Installed in a discontinuous line throughout the interior zone of the tunnel, the TLEX BASE’s photometric technology delivers a highly uniform lighting on the walls and road, enabling drivers to easily and quickly identify any potential obstacles, improving safety in the tunnel. Fitted with the latest generation of LEDs, it delivers a bright white light for high visual guidance in this long tunnel with low energy consumption. The long life of the LEDs combined with the robust design (IP 66 / IK 10) means that despite the harsh tunnel environment, the luminaires will continue to deliver this high performance for many years and will need little maintenance.
Smart lighting technology to meet real-time needs and streamline operations
All the TFLEX tunnel luminaires are controlled by the ATS 4 DALI control system, co-developed with Phoenix Contact.
It automatically adjusts lighting levels based on real-time factors such as natural daylight and traffic flow to ensure perfect visibility in the tunnel and comply with Croatian lighting standards. This adaptive approach minimises energy consumption to what is required and reduces operating costs.
In addition, the ATS 4 DALI system provides access to the status and diagnostics of all the luminaires at all times. This allows any potential faults to be quickly identified and maintenance to be better planned. The data insights gained from the system will enable BINA Istria to streamline operations in the future, saving even more money.
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A safe and comfortable driving experience
The new smart tunnel lighting ensures a safe and pleasant driving experience for motorists. This is particularly important for a smooth flow of traffic during the peak tourist season when up to 20,000 vehicles pass through each day.
Schréder, your reliable partner for turnkey lighting solutions
In addition to delivering the complete smart tunnel lighting system, including luminaires, control system and cabling, we also provided energy-efficient lighting for all access roads. As these roads are located in the Ucka Nature Park, known for its rich biodiversity and dark skies, it was essential that the lighting respected the strict local light pollution laws and helped to preserve the local flora and fauna.
The IZYLUM, an IDA approved luminaire, was installed with very warm white LEDs (2,200K) that create a healthier nighttime environment for the biodiversity. All of the light output is directed towards the ground to ensure visibility for drivers and to prevent any light spill towards the sky.
Another successful smart tunnel lighting project
BINA Istra is very happy with the smart tunnel lighting system which has maximised safety while enabling them to ensure operational efficiencies and lower lifecycle costs. Building on this successful implementation, we are pleased to announce that in 2025, we will be upgrading the original Ucka Tunnel tube with the same advanced lighting technology.
