British Standard BS5489-2: 2016 Code of practice for the design of road lighting, Lighting of tunnels, is the go-to Standard that defines and advises the lighting requirements in road tunnels. However, when is a tunnel not a tunnel? When it’s a short tunnel!. BS5489-2 defines a tunnel as being over 150m in length, but with motorway widening and other infrastructure projects, many highway bridges do not meet the full tunnel lighting requirements but need consideration for all road user groups. This is where PLG09 could be used.

British Standard BS5489-2: 2016 Code of practice for the design of road lighting, Lighting of tunnels, is the go-to Standard that defines and advises the lighting requirements in road tunnels. However, when is a tunnel not a tunnel? When it’s a short tunnel!. BS5489-2 defines a tunnel as being over 150m in length, but with motorway widening and other infrastructure projects, many highway bridges do not meet the full tunnel lighting requirements but need consideration for all road user groups. This is where PLG09 could be used.

BS5489-1 2020 Design of road lighting. Lighting of roads and public amenity areas. Code of practice, is the main Standard used in UK and beyond describing how road lighting standards should be applied. Current Standards suggest tunnel lighting should be considered when the tunnel is over 150m long and this leaves a considerable gap is recommendations for covered roads up to 150m that this document addresses.

The concerns with regard to the visual acuity of users are addressed so that the right lighting provision be it natural daylight or artificial lighting can be provided. These are threefold:

1. For motorists – Are they able to see other users, gauge their intent and understand their task to navigate through the tunnel?
2. For pedestrians and cyclists – Are they able to see the other users and gauge their intent, be aware of any trip hazards? And
3. For pedestrians and cyclists, do they feel safe from a perception of crime and disorder when entering and exiting the tunnel?

This document will be of use to all those considering improving or constructing structure that span roads. These could be as a result of road widening, railways or new construction, that effectively forms a tunnel up to 150m long.

PLG09 is a vital publication aimed at civil engineers, exterior lighting professionals, asset managers, contractors, professionals and manufacturers. It provides a comprehensive guidance on the needs of different road user groups and how these should be assessed and addressed.