Major tunnel construction projects depend on reliable communication to keep teams coordinated, maintain productivity and protect employees working in challenging environments. Crossrail, one of the UK’s largest infrastructure developments, required a two way radio system capable of supporting teams both above ground and deep within its extensive tunnel network.
Costain and Skanska selected MTech to provide communication equipment for the project, drawing on our experience supporting construction and tunnelling environments.
With numerous contractors and teams operating across different areas, dependable communication was essential. The system needed to meet strict health and safety requirements while providing the coverage and audio performance required for managers, security teams and construction workers to remain connected throughout the working day.
Designing the Right Radio System
MTech carried out free site surveys to understand the different working environments and identify potential communication challenges across the Crossrail development.
Based on the site conditions and coverage requirements, Motorola DP1400, DP2400 and DP2600 digital two way radios were recommended. The radios provided the durability and straightforward operation required for construction environments while giving teams reliable communication both above and below ground.
The system was designed around the individual requirements of each area, helping employees communicate quickly and allowing teams working across the project to coordinate activity more effectively.
Maintaining Coverage Underground
Providing dependable radio coverage through tunnels and underground working areas presented one of the biggest challenges.
Motorola DR3000 repeaters were installed at strategic locations and interconnected using cabling to extend the radio network throughout the underground environment.
This infrastructure strengthened transmissions across different levels and sections of the tunnels, helping teams maintain communication as work progressed further underground.
Clear Communication in Noisy Conditions
Construction sites can be extremely noisy, particularly when employees are working around drilling equipment and heavy machinery.
The Motorola digital radios use noise cancellation and Intelligent Audio to help reduce background noise and maintain clear communications in demanding working conditions.
Safety functionality including emergency alerts and Lone Worker monitoring provides further support for employees. If assistance is required or a worker becomes incapacitated, colleagues can be alerted quickly and respond accordingly.
Supporting Safety and Productivity
Moving to digital radios provided additional operational benefits for teams working across Crossrail. Battery life of up to 40% longer than comparable analogue radios reduced the need for employees to recharge equipment during shifts, helping keep radios available throughout the working day.
The completed communication systems provided managers, supervisors, security teams and construction workers with dependable communication across both surface and underground environments.
By combining digital two way radios with strategically installed repeater infrastructure, Crossrail teams could communicate more effectively while supporting the strict safety requirements and demanding schedule of one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects.
