Division 3.4 Management of accidents and incidentsX1

In the event of a serious accident or incident, all appropriate tunnel tubes shall be closed immediately to traffic.

This shall be done by simultaneous activation not only of the abovementioned equipment before the portals, but also of variable message signs, traffic signals and mechanical barriers inside the tunnel, if available, so that all the traffic can be stopped as soon as possible outside and inside the tunnel. Tunnels of less than 1 000 metres may be closed by other means. Traffic shall be managed in such a way that unaffected vehicles can quickly leave the tunnel.

The access time for emergency services in the event of an incident in a tunnel shall be as short as possible and shall be measured during periodic exercises. In addition, it may be measured during incidents. In major bi-directional tunnels with high traffic volumes, a risk analysis in accordance with Article 13 shall establish whether emergency services shall be stationed at the two extremities of the tunnel.