HS2 Tunnel Lighting

HS2 Long-Run Tunnel & Viaduct Lighting

Client: HS2 via principal contractors.

Application: Chiltern Tunnels, Bromford Tunnel, Colne Valley Viaduct.

Products: LMX LED 110V Long-Run LED Strip System, Floodlighting, Emergency Backup Options.

Project Overview

As part of the HS2 programme, contractors required a safe, reliable and energy-efficient temporary lighting system for major construction areas including the Chiltern Tunnels, Bromford Tunnel and the Colne Valley Viaduct. These environments demanded long-distance lighting runs, high uniformity, and robust performance under challenging conditions.

Our Solution

LMX LED supplied a 200m long-run 110V LED lighting system, engineered specifically for large infrastructure works where rapid installation and consistent illumination are critical.

HS2 viaduct long-run LED lighting

Insights

Align™ secured the C1 package for the UK’s HS2 project – 21.6km of high speed rail infrastructure including a 3.4km viaduct and 16km of twin-bored tunnels. The lighting for the tunnels are required to operate 24 hours a day for at least 5 years. Power supply transformers are set 300m apart so the most efficient chips were required to achieve 904lm from 7.8w/m and 1040lm from 9w/m. By using 1000 rectifiers per 25m substantially reduces the heat build-up from the current and the heat in the tunnels.

We were up against tough competition from across Europe with our bespoke INFINILED solution but after trials and appraisals LMX won the tender process and since been installed at other infrastructure projects across the world.

Key Features Delivered

200m continuous lighting runs from a single 110V feed.

Engineered for minimal voltage drop, ensuring a uniform lighting effect throughout tunnels.

Ultra-bright, high-density LEDs for clear visibility during tunnelling and structural works.

Battery backup option providing maintained egress lighting during power loss.

Colour-coded LED zones to highlight emergency routes, restricted areas and no-entry zones.

Robust, IP-rated construction suitable for tunnels, viaducts and exposed environments.

HS2 LED long-run lighting solution

Outcome

Our long-run LED solution enabled HS2 contractors to:

  • Achieve safe, uniform illumination over extended distances.
  • Install and reposition lighting quickly during phased construction.
  • Improve worker navigation and safety through visual zoning.
  • Reduce energy consumption compared to traditional festoon systems.
  • Maintain lighting continuity during power outages.

LMX LED’s 110V system proved ideal for complex, large-scale civil engineering environments, supporting safe and efficient progress across multiple HS2 structures

Review

“LMX LED were instrumental in achieving our strict demands to control light pollution across the south portal in Denham for HS2, we also had numerous challenges in designing the lighting for our many buildings, thankfully LMX LED were on hand to make this process seamless. I will be using LMX LED in the future.”

Mr. G Provan, Senior Electrical Project Manager HS2