Shenoy Engineering, PC, was announced a Platinum award winner of the 2024 Engineering Excellence Awards for its Design-Build Services for Project HC-07, Ventilation System Rehabilitation and Fixed Fire Suppression Prototype at the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (HLCT, formerly Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel) by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York). The HLCT, managed by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA), is the longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnel in North America, spanning 9,117 feet with two parallel tunnels. The project included rehabilitating the ventilation system, installing a new fixed fire system prototype, and constructing the WMS Pump building.
Ravi V. Shenoy, PE, President of Shenoy Engineering, expressed gratitude for the prestigious award, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to excellence and innovation. “”We are honored to receive the prestigious Platinum 2024 Engineering Excellence Award for TBTA’s Hugh L. Carey Tunnel project,” said Mr. Shenoy. “This recognition celebrates our pioneering high-pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System – a U.S. first – which enhances safety for the tunnel’s daily 54,000 users by providing an effective fire suppression method to improve vehicle occupant safety, minimize fire spread to other vehicles, and prevent loss of life.”
The high-pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System offers effective roadway protection during emergencies, utilizing small droplet sizes to significantly reduce radiant heat transfer. With droplets under 1,000 microns in diameter, a fraction of standard sprinkler sizes, this sustainable design saves water while proving highly effective in suppressing fire.
Despite pandemic-related challenges posed by mandated social distancing and shutdowns, the project was completed successfully and ahead of schedule, preserving and extending the life of the tunnel infrastructure, improving the level of safety during a fire incident, providing safer access and control for first responders to the area, easing passenger evacuation, and ensuring the safety of the traveling public. “The HLCT project was a successful collaborative effort among designers, contractors, and facility operations and maintenance teams, ensuring optimal fire safety outcomes,” said TBTA Project Manager, Jessica Perez. “Shenoy Engineering revamped the HLCT ventilation system, replacing 104 aging fan motors with high-efficiency models. The motor replacements and prototype WMS reflect the MTA’s commitment to enhancing safety and infrastructure integrity.”
The 57th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, honoring 124 projects, will take place on April 13, 2024, at the Hilton Midtown in New York City. These awards recognize projects across various sectors, showcasing significant contributions to the built environment. Apart from the celebratory aspect among peers, the Engineering Excellence Awards program serves to amplify the substantial contributions consulting engineers make to the built world. “We extend our heartfelt Congratulations to all fellow winners and entrants for their remarkable contributions and dedication to advancing our industry. Together, we are shaping a safer, more sustainable future,” said Mr. Shenoy.
Comments are closed.