Safety Hindhead Tunnel

the hindhead tunnel northbound carriageway closed maintenance

fatal fires in mont blanc tunnel , gotthard road tunnel in 1999 , 2001 respectively, resulting in temporary closures of these tunnels, led re-evaluation of road tunnel safety throughout europe. eu directive passed in 2004 laid down minimum safety requirements road tunnels within eu , efta exceed 500 m in length , part of trans-european road network (ten). although hindhead tunnel more 500 m in length, not carry part of ten road network legally not need comply directive.

the tunnel approaches have cross-over systems enable police direct traffic through 1 of tunnels should other closed result of incident or maintenance. due part of original a3 having been returned nature, not possible use old road in emergency. south east of england has comprehensive road network, , redirection of traffic a3 m3 increase kingston portsmouth journey 65 miles (105 km) 89 miles (143 km).

cross-connection tunnels have been constructed @ 100 metre intervals allow emergency evacuation other tunnel should there incident. although eu directive requires laybys @ intervals not exceeding 1000 metres ten-t tunnels not have emergency lanes, hindhead tunnel not have laybys, have 1.2 m verges on either side of carriageway. tunnel has 2 power supplies, 1 via north portal , other via south portal, each backing other in event of failure. ventilation provided fans mounted above traffic, though in normal circumstances not operational.

electronic equipment includes linear heat detectors, radar coverage , 104 cctv cameras can pinpoint incidents, intelligent lighting , led cat s eyes , comprehensive fire-fighting systems.