Modernizing critical infrastructure without disrupting operations is a major challenge. At the Somport tunnel, Siemens upgraded the digital control system on behalf of the Demarcation of State Roads in Aragon, completing the project in record time while keeping traffic flowing throughout.
The Somport tunnel belongs to the European E-7 road axis and is one of the main border crossings between Spain and France. After twenty years of operation, the tunnel underwent a comprehensive modernization to meet today's requirements and prepare for the mobility needs of the future.
By implementing TIA Portal and the SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture platform, this renovation has optimized signal and emergency management, improving the safety and operational efficiency of the tunnel. At 8608 meters long, Somport remains the longest road tunnel in Spain and a strategic border crossing on the E-7, making its upgrade essential to meet the mobility challenges ahead.
The project integrates a new SCADA system, migrates the SIMATIC ET 200S periphery to SIMATIC ET 200SP and implements four redundant SIMATIC S7-1500H PLCs to guarantee availability in the event of any incident.
The video surveillance system is also upgraded for more effective real-time monitoring.
As a next phase, we will develop a Digital Twin, which will simulate emergency scenarios and train operators, along with the implementation of a DALI smart LED lighting system to increase energy efficiency by more than 30%.
Four redundant PLCs from the SIMATIC S7-1500 R family ensure the high availability of the infrastructure in emergency situations.
Complete renovation of the decentralized periphery to improve real-time data collection and transmission with a migration of the SIMATIC ET 200 system to SIMATIC ET 200SP.
This allows the old and new system to coexist during the transition period, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the tunnel.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV): Incorporating CCTV technology with unified image, voice and audio capabilities within the SCADA.
Emergency Plan Manager: Integrated into SIMATIC WinCC OA, this technology facilitates real-time decision-making by guiding the operator through each step of the safety protocols.
At nearly eight kilometers, the Karawanks Tunnel is Austria’s fourth-longest tunnel. Originally built as a single-tube route, it had become a major bottleneck, with more than 30,000 vehicles using it on peak days. For ASFINAG, Austria’s motorway operator, and construction partner STRABAG, the challenge was to build a second tube while modernizing tunnel operations and bringing the safety systems up to the latest technical standards. We're providing the control technology required for the safe and reliable operation of the tunnel infrastructure.
