Catesby Tunnel became a member of CAM Testbed UK in 2024, strengthening the UK’s offering to suppliers and manufacturers by providing a totally unique vehicle testing facility. But, what does this really mean? In this article we explore some of the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) testing opportunities the tunnel provides.
Repeatable, private and controlled conditions
Catesby Tunnel provides a uniquely stable yet real environment for testing. Temperatures in the tunnel fluctuate by just +/-0.6ºC all year round, with daily drift rarely higher than 0.1ºC. Humidity levels also remain incredibly stable, there’s no wind and the asphalt surface is within +/-2mm of being completely planar.
Being off-highway and extremely private, Catesby Tunnel is perfectly placed to accommodate early stage prototypes that aren’t yet roadworthy or camera shy. Any test subject can be completely contained in the tunnel so the level of risk in early stage testing is reduced even further.
Communications and Security
Catesby Tunnel is underground and can be radio insulated, meaning signals can be tested without fear of external sources interfering. This kind of environment is incredibly unique, at 2.7km long there’s plenty of range to work with too.
Previous users include companies wanting to test emergency radio connections and companies working on projects associated with vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. Catesby Tunnel also offers the unique opportunity for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing on a moving vehicle and two passing vehicles.
Sensor, Systems and Automation Testing
‘Automated Mobility’ doesn’t just refer to a self-driving car but any technology that automates the process in some way. Many modern vehicles already employ applications such as: lane assist, cruise control, automatic braking, etc. With two lanes, Catesby Tunnel offers an ideal, private and safe location for testing such systems and even full autonomy (Level 5) in its early stages.
Automated lighting, LiDAR and other ADAS systems are regularly tested within the controlled Catesby environment.
Pushing these systems further could lead to testing systems such as platooning, with automated vehicles travelling closely together in a convoy. Catesby Tunnel is 8.2m wide and boasts two lanes, meaning platoon testing can be conducted robustly for a range of different scenarios.
An Indoor Environment
There is no other facility in the world better placed to test how connected and automated vehicles function in a tunnel. This might seem like a niche requirement, however there are over 200 road tunnels in the UK alone – the longest being the 2.13-mile long Queensway tunnel in Merseyside. The government also recently announced they are pressing on with the Lower Thames Crossing which will involve a huge 2.6-mile tunnel section.
No GPS, low lighting, a relatively low ceiling and close proximity to walls in a tunnel are all factors which make the environment very different from the open road, particularly for vehicles using advanced vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies. Ensuring systems still operate as designed in a tunnel environment is therefore extremely important.
Got a CAM testing opportunity? Speak to one of our team members today.
e: info@catesbyprojects.com | t: +44 (0) 1327 630 331
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