Jazmin Li
There are several tunnels around the world that are known as Airport Tunnel. The Airport Tunnel in Los Angeles, also known as the Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel, is a highway tunnel that runs underneath the two runways of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This tunnel was built to allow Sepulveda Boulevard to return to its original path after the runways at LAX were extended in the late 1940s. Other tunnels with the same name include the one connecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Control Point and the Hong Kong International Airport, and the former Kai Tak Tunnel in New Kowloon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Airport Tunnel, also known as the Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel |
| Location | Los Angeles |
| Description | A highway tunnel carrying Sepulveda Boulevard underneath two runways (25L/25R) and taxiways on the south side of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
| Route | Part of California State Route 1 |
| History | The first tunnel in the United States to run under an airport runway. It was built to allow Sepulveda Boulevard to return to its original straight-line path after being rerouted due to runway extensions at LAX (formerly Mines Field) |
| Funding | $3.5 million (equivalent to $61 million in 2024), funded by a 1945 bond issue and a federal grant |
| Engineering | Features two ventilation houses with four fans each for ventilation, a power substation to supply energy to vapor lights, and a drain system for rainwater |
| Lane Configuration | Six lanes (three in each direction) with six turnouts for broken-down vehicles |
| Lighting | LED lights installed in 2012 |
| Maintenance | Periodically closed for cleaning due to exhaust soot buildup |
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What You'll Learn
The Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel in Los Angeles
The Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel, also known as the Airport Tunnel, is a highway tunnel in Los Angeles, carrying Sepulveda Boulevard underneath the two runways (25L/25R) and taxiways on the south side of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This section of Sepulveda is a part of California State Route 1. The tunnel was the first in the United States to run under an airport runway.
In the late 1940s, LAX (then known as Mines Field) was set to have its runways extended. However, Sepulveda Boulevard stood in the way, prohibiting the possibility of expansion. Initially, the thoroughfare was rerouted to go around the western end of the runways. To allow Sepulveda Boulevard to return to its original straight-line path, the Airport Tunnel was created. The $3.5 million in funding (equivalent to $61 million in 2024) was secured through a combination of a 1945 bond issue and a federal grant.
The tunnel features complex engineering, including two ventilation houses with four fans each to ventilate the tunnel and a power substation to supply energy to the thousands of vapor lights in the tunnel and the eight fans. The tunnel also has a drainage system that gathers rainwater and empties it into vaults, from where it is pumped out. The road has six lanes (three in each direction) and six turnouts, each large enough to hold three cars, for vehicles that break down in the tunnel.
Over the years, motorists have complained about the poor lighting in the tunnel, prompting an overhaul of the lighting system in 1965 and a revamp with LED lights in 2012. Due to exhaust soot buildup, the tunnel is periodically closed for cleaning.
It is worth noting that there is another tunnel with the same name, the Sepulveda Tunnel, which runs underneath Mulholland Drive and connects the San Fernando Valley with the west side of Los Angeles. This tunnel is not to be confused with the Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel under LAX.
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The first tunnel to run under a US airport runway
In the late 1940s, LAX, then known as Mines Field, was set to extend its runways. However, Sepulveda Boulevard was an obstacle, preventing the expansion. Initially, the road was rerouted to circumvent the western end of the runways. The Airport Tunnel was constructed to allow Sepulveda Boulevard to return to its original straight-line path.
The tunnel was considered an experimental engineering feat at the time, as no similar concept had been built before. It featured a sophisticated ventilation system, with eight fans to manage airflow, and a power substation to supply energy to thousands of lights. The road through the tunnel has six lanes, three in each direction, along with six turnouts for vehicles that may break down.
The tunnel officially opened on April 21, 1953, with an opening ceremony officiated by Mayor Fletcher Bowron. Over the years, motorists have complained about the poor lighting in the tunnel, and it has been periodically closed for cleaning due to exhaust soot buildup. The lighting system was overhauled in 1965 and updated with LED lights in 2012.
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Safety hazards and lighting issues
The Airport Tunnel, also known as the Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel, is a highway tunnel in Los Angeles, California. It was the first tunnel in the United States to run under an airport runway, specifically the two runways (25L/25R) and taxiways on the south side of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Over the years, motorists have complained about the poor lighting in the tunnel, deeming it a safety hazard. Issues with lighting in tunnels and airports are not uncommon and can have serious consequences. Poor lighting conditions can lead to reduced visibility, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions. Proper illumination is crucial for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, as it helps them navigate through tunnels and taxiways with ease, improving their ability to react to changing conditions and potential hazards.
Inadequate lighting in tunnels can pose potential safety hazards due to their dark and enclosed nature. Similarly, insufficient lighting in airport taxiways and parking areas can increase the likelihood of collisions, ground damage, and other hazards for aircraft and ground personnel. Poor apron lighting can also lead to flight delays, increased fuel consumption, and higher operational costs due to reduced visibility for pilots.
To address lighting issues and improve safety, the lighting system in the Airport Tunnel was overhauled in 1965 and retrofitted with LED lights in 2012. LED tunnel lights offer a reliable and energy-efficient solution, providing bright and uniform illumination that enhances visibility while reducing glare. Additionally, LED lights consume less power, reduce energy costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by lowering carbon emissions.
While lighting plays a critical role in airport safety, other challenges exist. Airports located near water may face structural issues and electrical/water interaction problems with their lighting systems. Continuous power equipment risks, including de-energizing the lighting on runways, can also pose challenges. To mitigate these potential hazards, research efforts have been conducted, including interviews with airport operators, FAA officials, and emergency response personnel, to develop effective strategies and enhance the safety of airport lighting systems and overall airport operations.
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Hong Kong's Airport Tunnel
Hong Kong has several tunnels that serve its airports. One of them is the Kai Tak Tunnel, formerly known as the Airport Tunnel until Kai Tak Airport closed down in 1998. The Hong Kong Government renamed the tunnel to Kai Tak Tunnel in 2006 after several years of consultation with groups including the Kowloon City District Council. The tunnel consists of two tubes, each about 1.26 km long and 7 meters in diameter. The southern tube carries westbound traffic from Kowloon Bay to Ma Tau Kok, while the eastbound tunnel branches off onto Sung Wong Toi Road. The Kai Tak Tunnel is the only major vehicular tunnel in Hong Kong built entirely by the cut-and-cover technique. Many major express bus routes between Kowloon and the eastern end of New Kowloon travel through the Kai Tak Tunnel.
Another airport tunnel in Hong Kong is the Tuen Mun-Check Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL), a 4.2km twin-tube subsea tunnel that connects Tuen Mun in the New Territories on the mainland with Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport on Lantau Island. The tunnel features two traffic lanes in each 14m diameter tube and will reduce the travel distance between the North West New Territories and Hong Kong International Airport by 22km. The TM-CLKL will be bored 50m below sea level, passing through various geological layers of Hong Kong, from hard granite to softer marine deposits and impermeable clay meta sediments. To construct the tunnel safely, Bouygues Construction will use ground freezing technology to create a watertight environment for excavating the passages.
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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's Schiphol Tunnel
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs for the SkyTeam airline alliance and is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam. Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking as Europe's third busiest and the world's eleventh busiest by total passenger traffic in 2017.
The Schiphol Tunnel is a crucial component of the airport's infrastructure. The tunnel was initially opened in 1966 and served as a vital link for traffic entering and exiting the airport complex. However, in the following years, the tunnel became notorious for a high number of accidents, mainly chain collisions. This issue prompted a major reconstruction project in the 1980s, which successfully addressed the safety concerns. The Schiphol Tunnel Major Maintenance Project (GOS) is another significant initiative aimed at enhancing the tunnel's infrastructure. This project involves renovating the tunnel's infrastructure, improving passenger flow, and creating more space on the platforms and in the Plaza above.
The Schiphol Tunnel plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians around the airport. It consists of two tunnel tubes, with ongoing efforts to renew sleepers and rails, improve drainage systems, and enhance overall safety.
In addition to the Schiphol Tunnel, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has undergone various expansion projects to accommodate increasing air traffic. These projects include the construction of a fifth runway, Polderbaan, which opened in February 2003, and the renovation of Departure Lounge 1, completed in 2005. The airport also boasts a unique design, efficient boarding processes, and a range of amenities, including quiet areas and shopping areas, contributing to its popularity among passengers.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a rich history, initially serving as a military airbase before transitioning to civilian use after the First World War. The area where the airport is located used to be a large lake, which was dredged in the mid-1800s, and a fortification named Fort Schiphol was built. The airport has since expanded and evolved, playing a significant role in international aviation and contributing to the Netherlands' economic growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The Airport Tunnel, also known as the Sepulveda Boulevard Tunnel, is a highway tunnel in Los Angeles.
The tunnel was the first in the United States to run under an airport runway. It features complex engineering, including a ventilation system, a power substation, and a drain system.
Yes, there are other tunnels at airports around the world. For example, the Airport Tunnel in Hong Kong connects the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Control Point and the Hong Kong International Airport. Additionally, the Schiphol Tunnel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is another example of a tunnel at an airport.
