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Advanced Tunnel Lighting for a Legacy NYC Corridor

Hugh L. Carey (formerly Brooklyn Battery) Tunnel | Manhattan to Brooklyn, NY

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Challenge

Following Superstorm Sandy, the Hugh L. Carey (aka Brooklyn Battery) Tunnel was flooded with 86 million gallons of seawater, requiring a full restoration of critical infrastructure. The lighting system needed a one for one replacement that would deliver improved visibility, meet stringent energy reduction mandates, and withstand harsh tunnel conditions, all while integrating with the existing mounting configuration and minimizing long-term maintenance costs.

Solution

Kenall provided a comprehensive LED lighting system tailored to the tunnel environment. LuxTran™ LTSIU roadway luminaires replaced legacy HPS fixtures, while supplemental LuxTran KB510 beacon lights enhanced wall delineation and emergency guidance. Additional luminaires were installed in air ducts to support maintenance operations.

Benefits

The upgraded system delivers improved light uniformity and driver visibility, enhancing safety throughout the tunnel while reducing energy consumption by more than 1.5 million kWh annually.
Designed to integrate with existing mounting conditions, the luminaires provide durable, corrosion-resistant performance with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring long-term reliability and lasting value for this critical transportation corridor.

“The tunnel lighting is much more uniform than before, and the 4000k / 70 CRI system provides for better visibility for drivers… With improved safety for the public, and improved efficiency for MTABT, the lighting is a success.”

Lionel Lutley
PE, CEng, Mott MacDonald

Kenall Lighting Helps Restore and Future Proof Critical Infrastructure

As part of a six-year rehabilitation effort, the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel—one of North America’s longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnels—underwent a major modernization following damage from Superstorm Sandy. Kenall’s LED tunnel lighting solutions played a central role in restoring this critical infrastructure while improving visibility, safety, and energy efficiency.

More than 2,300 LED tunnel luminaires replaced legacy high-pressure sodium fixtures, supported by hundreds of beacon and maintenance lights to enhance tunnel delineation, emergency egress, and service visibility. Designed to integrate with existing mounting conditions, the system delivers consistent, high-performance tunnel lighting across all zones. Built for harsh environments, the luminaires provide long-lasting durability with reduced maintenance demands. The upgraded tunnel lighting system improves uniformity and driver visibility while reducing energy consumption by more than 1.5 million kWh annually, supporting New York’s sustainability initiatives. By combining efficient LED technology with robust design, Kenall delivered a reliable infrastructure lighting solution that enhances tunnel safety and lowers lifecycle costs.

Read the Full Case Study

Brooklyn Battery Tunnel View from Pedestrian Walk