Kingsway Tunnel – modernization with Rawlplug solutions

Kingsway Tunnel, opened in 1971, is a vital transport link connecting Liverpool and Wallasey beneath the River Mersey. With approximately 45,000 vehicles using it daily, it is one of the busiest road tunnels in the world.

The 2.5 km-long tunnel was primarily constructed to relieve congestion in Queensway Tunnel, which had been built before World War II. Kingsway has successfully fulfilled this role, handling around 16.4 million vehicles annually. It is also considered one of the safest tunnels, thanks to its solid construction and regular modernization efforts.

Rawlplug’s role in the modernization process

To meet growing safety demands and enhance tunnel infrastructure, a major upgrade was carried out, in which Rawlplug products played a key role. As part of the project, new drainage pipeline supports were installed using 22,000 R-KER-II hybrid bonded anchors, combined with R-STUDS A4 threaded rods.

Interesting fact! During the construction of Kingsway Tunnel, a 35-ton tunnel boring machine, named "Mersey Mole," was used. This same machine had previously been deployed for the Mangla Dam project in Pakistan.

Collaboration with industry leaders

The modernization was conducted in partnership with SPIE, a leading European provider of multi-technical services, and STC Fasteners, a key distributor. The use of advanced anchoring solutions ensured an efficient and seamless upgrade, improving both safety and functionality in this critical transportation route.

This was Rawlplug’s first large-scale collaboration with SPIE, and the proposed solutions were met with highly positive feedback. With SPIE planning further major projects, this partnership is expected to continue in the future.

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