Howden — a leading global provider of ‘mission critical’ air- and gas-handling products, technologies and services — has recently supplied jet fans for the new $1.3 billion Central 70 tunnel in Denver, Colorado.

Working with a team of contractors for Colorado Department of Transportation, Howden supplied the nine jet fans for the new 1,000ft-long tunnel, which is located on a major stretch of highway that carries over 200,000 vehicles a day.

The APA-1250/578 jet fans contribute to the safety of the new tunnel by monitoring pollutants that lead to poor visibility, discomfort, high temperatures and smoke. They are mounted with open inlet and open discharge, a special application that adds momentum to the air stream and creates a faster draft, as well as clear passage in an emergency.

Howden’s jet fans work in tandem with advanced LED lighting that balances the light inside and outside of the tunnel for driver safety, speakers for the police or fire department to talk to drivers if required, and a sprinkler/deluge system in the event of a fire.

Mark Sanders, Howden’s president of the Americas region, said: “This technologically advanced and high-profile project will transform a significant highway. We were pleased to work alongside the other contractors to create a system that promotes safety and improves the driver experience through our innovative fans and robust testing, including thermal growth and vibration.”