Austroads updates guide to road tunnels

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Austroads have updated their Guide to Road Tunnels, to support road agencies when retrofitting, refurbishing or replacing assets in tunnels.

ARRB Associate and principal author Les Louis said there was an increasing need for tunnels to be retrofitted rather than maintained, due to excessive congestion, deteriorating structures, technological improvements and demand for higher standards of safety.

“Part 4: Retrofitting Tunnels, provides guidance on when refurbishment is needed and the types of refurbishment that can be considered,” Mr. Louis said.

“The guide provides processes for developing project requirements, geometric considerations relating to cross-sections and information on traffic management functions including signs and lighting.”

According to Mr. Louis, part four also contains guidance on fire protection and evacuation systems, mechanical systems including pumps and lifts, electrical and electronic components including tunnel management systems and power supply and energy efficiency.

“Principles and standards are based on experience across Australasia and in other countries where tunnels have been operating for many years,” Mr. Louis said.

“Practices from other countries have been considered in the context of Australian and New Zealand conditions, experience and legislative requirements.”