Upgrade of a 100-year-old tunnel to meet requirements of NFPA 130 as a part of new transit system

Author(s) A. Golpaygan, E. Debourdeaux, S. Azammam, M. Samimi, J. Habimana

Presented at the Tunnelling Association of Canada TAC 2023 – in Toronto from September 24-26. The theme of this year’s event, “Smart Solutions, Future Growth”, will be highlighted throughout the conference through keynote speakers, plenary presentations, technical sessions, networking, and a trade exhibition to showcase tunnelling and trenchless technology throughout Canada and around the world

Abstract

Montreal’s Mount Royal tunnel was opened in 1919. The tunnel runs underneath the Mount Royal from Southeast to Northwest, with its Southern portal located underground adjacent to the Gare-Centrale station, and its Northern portal located at Canora. Due to its age, the tunnel lacked Fire Life Safety (FLS) systems that are normally installed in modern tunnels as required by NFPA 130-Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems. In recent years, efforts have been made to comply with latest FLS requirements.

As a part of Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) light rail transit system, Mount Royal tunnel is in the process of a major upgrade including compliance with requirements of NFPA 130. This paper highlights Fire Life Safety measures included in the tunnel as a part of integration into REM to meet the requirements of NFPA 130 for the safety of the tunnel users.

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