IP Emergency Communication System Deployed for Silvertown Tunnel in the UK
In December 2023, J&R Technology partnered with Indra Group, a global technology and engineering company headquartered in Spain, to deliver an IP industrial telephone communication system for the Silvertown Tunnel project in London, UK,completed IP industrial telephone systems were supplied for the tunnel.
As a major cross-river transport link in London, the Silvertown Tunnel requires reliable communication infrastructure capable of operating in demanding underground conditions. High humidity, dust, traffic noise, continuous vibration, temperature variations, moisture, and vehicle exhaust can all affect communication equipment. The project therefore required robust industrial telephones with high protection, effective noise reduction, and reliable emergency communication capabilities.
Multiple Waterproof Industrial Telephones for Different Tunnel Areas
The project deployed three models of J&R industrial waterproof telephones: JR101-CB-SIP, JR103-CB-SIP, and JR101-FK-SIP, together with the JR-TNS-120 dispatch server. The system provides IP-based voice communication across tunnel passageways, emergency areas, equipment rooms, and control points. All three telephone models feature durable die-cast aluminum housings designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. Their robust construction provides resistance to impact and corrosion, while integrated noise-reduction technology enables clear voice communication in high-noise tunnel environments. Different models were selected according to the requirements of each installation area:
JR103-CB-SIP — A wall-mounted industrial telephone without a protective door, designed for convenient installation in tunnel cross passages.
JR101-CB-SIP — Equipped with a protective sealed door and automatic dialing when the handset is lifted, making it suitable for emergency refuge and designated emergency communication points.
JR101-FK-SIP — Featuring a full function keypad with mute, redial, and call transfer functions, and installed in equipment rooms and fixed-duty areas.
The JR-TNS-120 dispatch server provides centralized management of the IP communication network. The telephone terminals are connected via Ethernet and powered through PoE, simplifying installation and reducing the need for additional power cabling. The system can also interface with external loudspeakers, enabling centralized voice dispatch and communication across the tunnel.
Reliable IP Communication for Tunnel Operations and Emergencies
Following deployment, the IP industrial telephone system provides communication support for routine inspections, equipment maintenance, emergency response, and daily tunnel operations. Personnel working in different tunnel areas can quickly establish communication with the central control and dispatch center, improving information flow and helping reduce emergency response times. Designed for harsh industrial environments, the J&R industrial telephones provide reliable protection against dust, moisture, vibration, and other demanding tunnel conditions. Their robust construction helps minimize equipment failures and reduce long-term maintenance requirements. In situations such as vehicle breakdowns, fires, traffic congestion, or other tunnel emergencies, stable voice communication enables operators and field personnel to coordinate incident response, traffic management, and emergency assistance more efficiently.
J&R Industrial SIP Communication for Transportation Infrastructure
The Silvertown Tunnel project demonstrates the application of J&R industrial SIP communication technology in major European transportation infrastructure. By combining waterproof industrial telephones, SIP technology, PoE connectivity, and centralized dispatch management, J&R provides an integrated emergency communication solution for demanding tunnel environments. Beyond road tunnels, similar IP industrial communication systems can be deployed in railway and metro infrastructure, ports, mines, power plants, chemical facilities, industrial sites, and other critical infrastructure where reliable communication is essential. The successful deployment in the UK further demonstrates the capability of J&R industrial communication products to provide stable, durable, and efficient communication in harsh environments.