SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS IN THE TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK REGULATIONS

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS

IN THE TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 499.60

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS IN THE

TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK

REGULATIONS

11th July, 2006

LEGAL NOTICE 149 of 2006, as amended by Act XV of 2009 and Legal

Notice 159 of 2022.

The title of these regulations is the Safety Requirements

for Tunnels in the Trans-European Road Network Regulations.

(Regulations 3 and 9)

Safety measures

1. Basis for deciding on safety measures

1.1.

Safety parameters

1.1.1. Safety measures to be implemented in a tunnel shall be based on a

systematic consideration of all aspects of the system composed of the infrastructure,

operation, users and vehicles.

1.1.2. The following parameters shall be taken into account

-

tunnel length,

-

number of tubes,

-

number of lanes,

-

cross-sectional geometry,

-

vertical and horizontal alignment,

-

type of construction,

-

uni-directional or bi-directional traffic,

-

traffic volume per tube (including its time distribution),

-

risk of congestion (daily or seasonal),

-

access time for the emergency services,

-

presence and percentage of heavy goods vehicles,

-

presence, percentage and type of dangerous goods traffic,

-

characteristics of the access roads,

-

lane width,

-

speed considerations,

-

geographical and meteorological environment.

1.1.3. Where a tunnel has a special characteristic as regards the aforementioned

parameters, a risk analysis shall be carried out in accordance with regulation 9 to

establish whether additional safety measures and, or supplementary equipment is

necessary to ensure a high level of tunnel safety. This risk analysis shall take into

consideration possible accidents, which clearly affect the safety of road users in

tunnels and which might occur during the operating stage and the nature and

magnitude of their possible consequences.

1.2.

Minimum requirements

1.2.1. The safety measures required by the following paragraphs shall be

implemented at a minimum in order to ensure a minimum level of safety in all the

tunnels covered by these regulations. Limited derogations from these requirements

may be allowed provided that the following procedure is completed successfully.

The Authority shall send to the European Commission information on the following

-

the limited derogation(s) envisaged,

-

the imperative reasons underlying the limited derogation envisaged,

-

the alternative risk reduction measures which are to be used or

reinforced in order to ensure at least an equivalent level of safety,

including proof therefor in the form of an analysis of relevant risks.

The Commission shall transmit any request for a limited derogation to the

Authority as soon as possible, and in any case within one month of receipt.

If, within a period of three months after receipt of the request by the

Commission, neither the Commission nor the Authority formulates objections, the

limited derogation shall be deemed granted and the Commission shall inform the

Authority accordingly. If objections are expressed, the Commission shall make a

proposal in accordance with the procedure referred to in articles 5 and 7 of Council

Decision 1999/468/EC laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing

powers conferred on the Commission. Where the decision is negative, the limited

derogation shall not be allowed.

1.2.2. In order to provide a unified interface in all tunnels to which these

regulations apply, no derogation from the requirements of the following paragraphs

shall be allowed regarding the design of the safety facilities at the disposal of the

t u n n e l u s e r s ( e m e rg e n c y s t a t i o n s , s i g n s , l a y - b y s , e m e rg e n c y e x it s , r a d i o

rebroadcasting when required).

1.3.

Traffic volume

1.3.1. Where "traffic volume" is mentioned in this Schedule, it refers to the

annual average daily traff ic through a tunnel per l ane. For the purpose of

determining the traffic volume, each motor vehicle shall be counted as one unit.

Where the number of heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons exceeds 15% of

the annual average daily traffic, or seasonal daily traffic significantly exceeds the

annual average daily traffic, the additional risk will be assessed and taken into

account by increasing the traffic volume of the tunnel for the application of the

following paragraphs.

2. Infrastructure measures

2.1.

Number of tubes and lanes

2.1.1. The main criteria for deciding whether to build a single or a twin-tube

tunnel shall be projected traffic volume and safety, taking into account aspects such

as the percentage of heavy goods vehicles, gradient and length.

2.1.2. In any case, where, for tunnels at the design stage, a 15-year forecast

shows that the traffic volume will exceed 10,000 vehicles per day per lane, a twin-

tube tunnel with unidirectional traffic shall be in place at the time when this value

will be exceeded.

2.1.3. With the exception of the emergency lane, the same number of lanes shall

be maintained inside and outside the tunnel. Any change in the number of lanes shall

occur at a sufficient distance in front of the tunnel portal; this distance shall be at

least the distance covered in 10 seconds by a vehicle travelling at the speed limit.

When geographic circumstances prevent this, additional and, or reinforced measures

shall be taken to enhance safety.

2.2.

Tunnel geometry

2.2.1. Special consideration shall be given to safety when designing the cross-

sectional geometry and the horizontal and vertical alignment of a tunnel and its

access roads, as these parameters have a significant influence on the probability and

severity of accidents.

2.2.2. Longitudinal gradients above 5% shall not be permitted in new tunnels,

unless no other solution is geographically possible.

2.2.3. In tunnels with gradients higher than 3%, additional and, or reinforced

measures shall be taken to enhance safety on the basis of a risk analysis.

2.2.4. Where the width of the slow lane is less than 3,5 m and heavy goods

vehicles are allowed, additional and, or reinforced measures shall be taken to

enhance safety on the basis of a risk analysis.

2.3.

Escape routes and emergency exits

2.3.1. In new tunnels without an emergency lane, emergency walkways, elevated

or not, shall be provided for use by tunnel users in the event of a breakdown or an

accident. This provision does not apply if the construction characteristics of the

tunnel do not allow it or allow it only at disproportional cost and the tunnel is

unidirectional and is equipped with a permanent surveillance and lane closure

system.

2.3.2. In existing tunnels where there is neither an emergency lane nor an

emergency walkway, additional and, or reinforced measures shall be taken to ensure

safety.

2.3.3. Emergency exits allow tunnel users to leave the tunnel without their

vehicles and reach a safe place in the event of an accident or a fire and also provide

access on foot to the tunnel for emergency services. Examples of such emergency

exits are

-

direct exits from the tunnel to the outside,

-

cross-connections between tunnel tubes,

-

exits to an emergency gallery,

-

shelters with an escape route separate from the tunnel tube.

2.3.4. Shelters without an exit leading to escape routes to the open shall not be

built.

2.3.5. Emergency exits shall be provided if an analysis of relevant risks,

including how far and how quickly smoke travels under local conditions, shows that

the ventilation and other safety provisions are insufficient to ensure the safety of

road users.

2.3.6. In any event, in new tunnels, emergency exits shall be provided where the

traffic volume is higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane.

2.3.7. In existing tunnels longer than 1,000 metres, with a traffic volume higher

than 2,000 vehicles per lane, the feasibility and effectiveness of the implementation

of new emergency exits shall be evaluated.

2.3.8. Where emergency exits are provided, the distance between two emergency

exits shall not exceed 500 metres.

2.3.9. Appropriate means, such as doors, shall be used to prevent smoke and heat

from reaching the escape routes behind the emergency exit, so that the tunnel users

can safely reach the outside and the emergency services can have access to the

tunnel.

2.4.

Access for emergency services

2.4.1. In twin-tube tunnels where the tubes are at the same level or nearly, cross-

connections suitable for the use of emergency services shall be provided at least

every 1,500 metres.

2.4.2. Wherever geographically possible, crossing of the central reserve (median

strip) shall be made possible outside each portal of a twin- or multi-tube tunnel. This

measure will allow emergency services to gain immediate access to either tube.

2.5.

Lay-bys

2.5.1. For new bi-directional tunnels longer than 1,500 metres where traffic

volume is higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane, lay-bys shall be provided at distances

which do not exceed 1,000 metres, if emergency lanes are not provided.

2.5.2. In existing bi-directional tunnels longer than 1,500 metres with a traffic

volume higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane but no emergency lane, the feasibility

and effectiveness of the implementation of lay-bys shall be evaluated.

2.5.3. If the construction characteristics of the tunnel do not allow it or allow it

only at disproportionate cost, lay-bys do not have to be provided if the total tunnel

width which is accessible to vehicles, excluding elevated parts and normal traffic

lanes, is at least equal to the width of one normal traffic lane.

2.5.4. Lay-bys shall include an emergency station.

2.6.

Drainage

2.6.1. Where the transport of dangerous goods is permitted, the drainage of

flammable and toxic liquids shall be provided for through well-designed slot gutters

or other measures within the tunnel cross sections. Additionally, the drainage system

shall be designed and maintained to prevent fire and flammable and toxic liquids

from spreading inside tubes and between tubes.

2.6.2. If in existing tunnels that requirement cannot be met or can be met only at

disproportionate cost, this shall be taken into consideration when deciding whether

to allow the transport of dangerous goods on the basis of an analysis of relevant

risks.

2.7.

Fire resistance of structures

The main structure of all tunnels where a local collapse of the structure

could have catastrophic consequences, e.g. immersed tunnels or tunnels which can

cause the collapse of important neighbouring structures, shall ensure a sufficient

level of fire resistance.

2.8.

Lighting

2.8.1. Normal lighting shall be provided so as to ensure appropriate visibility day

and night for drivers in the entrance zone as well as in the interior of the tunnel.

2.8.2. Safety lighting shall be provided to allow a minimum visibility for tunnel

users to evacuate the tunnel in their vehicles in the event of a breakdown of the

power supply.

2.8.3. Evacuation lighting, such as evacuation marker lights, at a height of no

more than 1.5 m, shall be provided to guide tunnel users to evacuate the tunnel on

foot, in the event of emergency.

2.9.

Ventilation

2.9.1. The design, construction and operation of the ventilation system shall take

into account

-

the control of pollutants emitted by road vehicles, under normal and

peak traffic flow,

-

the control of pollutants emitted by road vehicles where traffic is

stopped due to an incident or an accident,

-

the control of heat and smoke in the event of a fire.

2.9.2. A mechanical ventilation system shall be installed in all tunnels longer

than 1,000 m with a traffic volume higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane.

2.9.3. In tunnels with bi-directional and, or congested unidirectional traffic,

longitudinal ventilation shall be allowed only if a risk analysis according to

regulation 9 shows it is acceptable and, or specific measures are taken, such as

appropriate traffic management, shorter emergency exit distances, smoke exhausts at

intervals.

2.9.4. Transverse or semi-transverse ventilation systems shall be used in tunnels

where a mechanical ventilation system is necessary and longitudinal ventilation is

not allowed under point 2.9.3. These systems must be capable of evacuating smoke

in the event of a fire.

2.9.5. For tunnels with bi-directional traffic, with a traffic volume higher than

2,000 vehicles per lane, longer than 3,000 metres and with a control centre and

transverse and, or. semi-transverse ventilation, the following minimum measures

shall be taken as regards ventilation

-

air and smoke extraction dampers shall be installed which can be

operated separately or in groups,

-

the longitudinal air velocity shall be monitored constantly and the

steering process of the ventilation system (dampers, fans, etc.) adjusted

accordingly.

2.10.

Emergency stations

2.10.1. Emergency stations are intended to provide various items of safety

equipment, in particular emergency telephones and extinguishers, but are not

intended to protect road users from the effects of fire.

2.10.2. Emergency stations can consist of a box on the sidewall or preferably a

recess in the sidewall. They shall be equipped with at least an emergency telephone

and two fire extinguishers.

2.10.3. Emergency stations shall be provided near the portals and inside at

intervals which for new tunnels shall not exceed 150 metres and which in existing

tunnels shall not exceed 250 metres.

2.11.

Water supply

A water supply shall be provided for all tunnels. Hydrants shall be

provided near the portals and inside at intervals which shall not exceed 250 metres.

If a water supply is not available, it is mandatory to verify that sufficient water is

provided otherwise.

2.12.

Road signs

Specific signs shall be used for all safety facilities provided for tunnel

users. Signs and panels for use in tunnels are given in the Third Schedule.

2.13.

Control centre

2.13.1. A control centre shall be provided for all tunnels longer than 3,000 metres

with a traffic volume higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane.

2.13.2. Surveillance of several tunnels may be centralised at a single control

centre.

2.14.

Monitoring systems

2.14.1. Video monitoring systems and a system able to automatically detect traffic

incidents (such as stopping vehicles) and, or fires shall be installed in all tunnels

with a control centre.

2.14.2. Automatic fire detection systems shall be installed in all tunnels which do

not have a control centre where the operation of mechanical ventilation for smoke

control is different from the automatic operation of ventilation for the control of

pollutants.

2.15.

Tunnel closing equipment

2.15.1. In all tunnels longer than 1,000 metres, traffic signals shall be installed

before the entrances so that the tunnel can be closed in case of an emergency.

Additional means, such as variable message signs and barriers, can be provided to

ensure that instructions are obeyed.

2.15.2. Inside all tunnels longer than 3,000 metres, with a control centre and a

traffic volume higher than 2,000 vehicles per lane, equipment to stop vehicles in the

event of an emergency is recommended at intervals not exceeding 1,000 m. This

equipment shall consist of traffic signals and possibly additional means, such as

loudspeakers, variable message signs and barriers.

2.16.

Communication systems

2.16.1. Radio re-broadcasting equipment for emergency service use shall be

installed in all tunnels longer than 1,000 metres with a traffic volume higher than

2,000 vehicles per lane.

2.16.2. Where there is a control centre, it must be possible to interrupt radio

rebroadcasting of channels intended for tunnel users, if available, in order to give

emergency messages.

2.16.3. Shelters and other facilities where evacuating tunnel users must wait

before they can reach the outside shall be equipped with loudspeakers for the

provision of information to users.

2.17.

Power supply and electrical circuits

2.17.1. All tunnels shall have an emergency power supply capable of ensuring the

operation of safety equipment indispensable for evacuation until all users have

evacuated the tunnel.

2.17.2. Electrical, measurement and control circuits shall be designed in such a

way that a local failure, such as one due to a fire, does not affect unimpaired circuits.

2.18.

Fire resistance of equipment

The level of fire resistance of all tunnel equipment shall take into account

the technological possibilities and aim at maintaining the necessary safety functions

in the event of a fire.

2.19.

Table displaying informative summary of minimum requirements

The table set out hereafter gives a summary of the minimum requirements

laid down in the previous paragraphs. The minimum requirements are those set out

in the operative text of this Schedule.

3. Measures concerning operations

3.1. Operating means

Tunnel operation shall be organised and dispose of such means as will

ensure the continuity and safety of the traffic through the tunnel. The personnel

involved in the operation as well as the emergency services shall receive appropriate

initial and continuing training.

3.2. Emergency planning

Emergency response plans shall be available for all tunnels.

3.3. Works in tunnels

Complete or partial closure of lanes due to construction or maintenance

works planned in advance shall always begin outside the tunnel. Variable message

signs, traffic signals and mechanical barriers may be used for this purpose.

3.4. Management of accidents and incidents

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 m 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 regulation 9 of these

regulations shall establish whether emergency services shall be stationed at the two

extremities of the tunnel.

3.5. Activity of the control centre

For all tunnels requiring a control centre a single control centre shall have

full control at any given time.

3.6. Tunnel closure

In the event of tunnel closure (long or short-term), users shall be informed

of the best alternative itineraries, by means of easily accessible information systems.

Such alternative itineraries shall form part of systematic contingency plans.

They should aim to maintain traffic flow as much as possible and minimise

secondary safety effects on the surrounding areas.

3.7. Transport of dangerous goods

The following measures shall be applied concerning access to tunnels for

vehicles transporting dangerous goods, as defined in the relevant European

legislation regarding the transport of dangerous goods by road

-

perform a risk analysis in accordance with regulation 9 before the

regulations and requirements regarding the transportation of dangerous

goods through a tunnel are defined or modified,

-

place appropriate signs to enforce the regulation before the last possible

exit before the tunnel and at tunnel entrances, as well as in advance so

as to allow drivers to choose alternative routes,

-

consider specific operating measures designed to reduce the risks

related to some or all of the vehicles transporting dangerous goods in

tunnels, such as declaration before entering or passage in convoys

escorted by accompanying vehicles, on a case by case basis further to

the aforementioned risk analysis.

3.8.

Overtaking in tunnels

A risk analysis shall be carried out in order to decide whether heavy goods

vehicles should be allowed to overtake in tunnels with more than one lane in each

direction.

3.9.

Distances between vehicles and speed

The appropriate speed of vehicles and the safe distance between them are

especially important in tunnels and shall be given close attention. This shall include

advising tunnel users of appropriate speeds and distances. Enforcement measures

shall be initiated as appropriate.

Road users driving passenger cars should under normal conditions

maintain a minimum distance from the vehicle in front of them equivalent to the

distance travelled by a vehicle in 2 seconds. For heavy goods vehicles this distance

should be doubled. When traffic stops in a tunnel, road users should maintain a

minimum distance of 5 metres from the vehicle in front, except if this is not possible

due to an emergency stop.

4. Information campaigns

Information campaigns regarding safety in tunnels shall be regularly

organised and implemented in conjunction with interested parties on the basis of the

harmonised work of international organisations. These information campaigns shall

cover the correct behaviour of road users when approaching and driving through

tunnels, especially in connection with vehicle breakdown, congestion, accidents and

fires.

Information on the safety equipment available and proper road user

behaviour in tunnels shall be provided in convenient places for tunnel users (i.e. at

rest areas before tunnels, at tunnel entrances when the traffic is stopped or on the

internet).

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

"the Authority" means the Authority for Transport in Malta

established under the Authority for Transport in Malta Act;

"emergency services" means all local services, whether public or

private or part of the tunnel staff, which intervene in the event of an

accident, including police services, fire brigades and rescue teams;

" Tr a n s - E u r op e a n Ro a d N e t w or k " means the road network

identified in Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European

Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union

guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport

network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU and illustrated by

maps in Annex I to the said Regulation;

" t u n n e l " m e a n s , f o r th e pu r p o s e o f t h e s e r e g u l a t i o ns , a n

underground passage with a length of over 500 metres;

"tunnel length" means the length of the longest traffic lane,

measured on the fully enclosed part of the tunnel.

(Regulation 4)

Approval of the design, safety documentation, commissioning of a tunnel,

modifications and periodic exercises

1. Approval of the design

1.1.

The provisions of these regulations shall be applied from the preliminary

design stage onward.

1.2.

Before any construction work begins, the Tunnel Manager shall compile

the safety documentation described under points 2.2 and 2.3 for a tunnel at the

design stage and shall consult the Safety Officer. The Tunnel Manager shall submit

the safety documentation to the Authority and attach the opinion of the Safety

Officer, and, or of the Inspection Entity when available.

The design, as appropriate, shall be approved by the Authority, which shall

inform the Tunnel Manager of its decision.

2. Safety documentation

The Tunnel Manager shall compile safety documentation for each tunnel

and keep it permanently up-to-date. He shall provide a copy of the safety

documentation to the Safety Officer.

The safety documentation shall describe the preventive and safeguard

measures needed to ensure the safety of users, taking into account people with

reduced mobility and disabled people, the nature of the route, the configuration of

the structure, its surroundings, the nature of the traffic and the scope for action by

the emergency services defined in regulation 2.

In particular, the safety documentation for a tunnel at the design stage

shall include

a description of the planned structure and access to it, together with the

plans necessary for understanding its design and anticipated operating

arrangements,

a traffic forecast study specifying and justifying the conditions expected

for the transport of dangerous goods, together with the risk analysis

requested by point 3.7 of the First Schedule,

a specific hazard investigation describing possible accidents which

clearly affect safety of road users in tunnels which might occur during

the operating stage and the nature and magnitude of their possible

consequences; this investigation must specify and substantiate measures

for reducing the likelihood of accidents and their consequences,

an opinion on safety from an expert or organisation specialising in this

field, which could be the Inspection Entity.

The safety documentation for a tunnel which is at the commissioning stage

shall include in addition to the documentation required at the design stage

a description of the organisation, human and material resources and

instructions specified by the Tunnel Manager to ensure operation and

maintenance of the tunnel,

an emergency response plan drawn up jointly with the emergency

services which also takes into account people with reduced mobility and

disabled people,

a description of the system of permanent feedback of experience

through which significant incidents and accidents can be recorded and

analysed.

The safety documentation for a tunnel which is in operation shall include

in addition to the documentation required at the commissioning stage

a report and analysis on significant incidents and accidents, which have

taken place since the entry into force of these regulations,

a list of the safety exercises carried out and an analysis of the lessons

learned from them.

3. Commissioning

The initial opening of a tunnel to public traffic shall be subject to

authorisation by the Authority (commissioning) in accordance with the following

3.2.

This procedure also applies to the opening of a tunnel to public traffic

after any major change in construction or operation or any substantial modification

work on the tunnel which might significantly alter any of the constituent components

of the safety documentation.

3.3.

The Tunnel Manager shall transmit the safety documentation mentioned in

point 2.4 to the Safety Officer, who shall give his opinion on the opening of the

tunnel to public traffic.

3.4.

The Tunnel Manager shall forward this safety documentation to the

Authority, and shall attach the opinion of the Safety Officer. The Authority shall

decide whether or not to authorise the opening of the tunnel to public traffic, or

whether to do so with restrictive conditions, and shall notify this to the Tunnel

Manager. A copy of this decision shall be forwarded to the emergency services.

4. Modifications

4.1.

For any substantial modification in the structure, equipment or operation,

which might significantly alter any of the constituent components of the safety

documentation, the Tunnel Manager shall ask for a new authorisation of operation

following the procedure described under point 3.

4.2.

The Tunnel Manager shall inform the Safety Officer of any other change in

construction and operation. Furthermore, prior to any modification work on the

tunnel, the Tunnel Manager shall provide the Safety Officer with documentation

detailing the proposals.

4.3.

The Safety Officer shall examine the consequences of the modification

and in any event give his opinion to the Tunnel Manager, who shall send a copy to

the Authority and to the emergency services.

5. Periodic exercises

The Tunnel Manager and the emergency services shall, in cooperation with

the Safety Officer, organise joint periodic exercises for tunnel staff and the

emergency services.

The exercises

-

should be as realistic as possible and should correspond to the defined

incident scenarios,

-

should yield clear evaluation results,

-

should prevent any damage to the tunnel,

-

may also, in part, be conducted as table top or computer simulation

exercises for complementary results.

(a) Full scale exercises under conditions that are as realistic as possible shall

be conducted in each tunnel at least every four years. Tunnel closure will only be

required if acceptable arrangements can be made for diverting traffic. Partial and, or

simulation exercises shall be conducted every year in between. In areas where

several tunnels are located in close proximity to each other, a full scale exercise must

be conducted in at least one of those tunnels.

(b) The Safety Officer and the emergency services shall evaluate jointly these

exercises, draw up a report and make appropriate proposals.

(1) The Authority shall be responsible for ensuring that

any tunnel constructed along the Trans-european Road Network

route in Malta shall meet the minimum safety requirements laid

down in the First Schedule.

(2)

The Authority shall ensure that

(a) tunnels are tested and inspected on a regular basis and

that safety requirements pertaining thereto are drawn

up;

(b) organisational and operational schemes, including

emergency response plans, for the training and

equipping of emergency services are put in place;

(c) the procedure for immediate closure of a tunnel in an

emergency is clearly defined; and

(d) the necessary

risk

reduction

measures

are

implemented.

(First Schedule)

Signing for tunnels

1. General requirements

The following are road signs and symbols to be used for tunnels. Road

signs mentioned in this section are described in the Vienna Convention on Road

Signs and Signals of 1968, unless otherwise specified.

In order to facilitate international understanding of signs, the system of

signs and signals prescribed in this Schedule is based on the use of shapes and

colours characteristic of each class of sign and, wherever possible, on the use of

graphic symbols rather than words.

Road signs shall be used to designate the following safety facilities in

Lay-bys;

Emergency exits: the same sign shall be used for all kinds of emergency

exits;

Escape routes: the two nearest emergency exits shall be signed on the

sidewalls at distances of no more than 25 metres, at a height of 1.0 to

1.5 metres above escape route level, with an indication of the distances

to the exits;

Emergency stations: signs to indicate the presence of emergency phones

and fire extinguishers.

Radio

In tunnels where users can receive information via their radio, appropriate

signs placed before the entrance shall inform users on how to receive this

information.

Signs and markings shall be designed and positioned so that they are

clearly visible.

2. Description of signs and panels

Appropriate signs shall be used, if necessary, in the advance warning area

of the tunnel, inside the tunnel and after the end of the tunnel. When designing the

signs for a tunnel, local traffic and construction conditions as well as other local

conditions shall be considered. Signs according to the Vienna Convention on Road

Signs and Signals shall be used.

Tunnel sign

The following sign shall be put at each entrance of the tunnel

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS

IN THE TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK

Sign El 1A for Road Tunnels of the Vienna Convention;

The length shall be included either in the lower part of the panel or on a

additional panel H2.

For tunnels over 3,000 metres, the remaining length of the tunnel shall be

indicated every 1,000 metres.

The name of the tunnel may also be indicated.

Horizontal signing

Horizontal delineation should be used at the roadside edge.

In the case of bi-directional tunnels, clearly visible means should be used

along the median line (single or twin) separating the two directions.

Signs and panels for signing of facilities

Emergency stations

Emergency stations shall bear informative signs, which shall be F signs

according to the Vienna Convention and indicate the equipment available to road

users, such as

Emergency telephone

Extinguisher

In emergency stations which are separated from the tunnel by a door, a

clearly legible text, written in appropriate languages, shall indicate that the

emergency station does not ensure protection in case of fire. An example is given

"THIS AREA DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM FIRE

Follow signs to emergency exits"

Lay-bys

The signs to indicate lay-bys should be E signs according to the Vienna

Convention. Telephones and fire extinguishers shall be indicated by an additional

panel or incorporated in the sign itself.

Emergency exits

The signs to indicate "Emergency exits" should be G signs according to the

Vienna Convention. Examples are shown below

It is also necessary to sign the two nearest exits on the sidewalls. Examples

are shown below.

Lane signals

These signs can be circular or rectangular

Variable message signing

Any variable message signs shall have clear indications to inform tunnel

users of congestion, breakdown, accident, fire or any other hazards.

The Authority shall only commission tunnels in accordance

with the procedure laid down in the Second Schedule.

The Authority shall either itself appoint a Tunnel Manager

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS

IN THE TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK

to be responsible for the management of each tunnel along the

Trans-European Road Network route in Malta, whether it is in the

design, construction or operating stage, or else shall identify as

Tunnel Manager any other public or private body responsible for

the management of the tunnel at the stage in question.

(1) The Tunnel Manager shall, with the prior approval of

the Authority, nominate one Safety Officer for each tunnel.

(2) The Safety Officer shall coordinate all preventive and

safeguards measures to ensure the safety of users and operational

staff.

(3) The Safety Officer may be a member of the tunnel staff or

the emergency services, shall be independent in all road tunnel

safety issues and shall not be under instructions from an employer

in respect of those issues.

(4) The said officer may perform his tasks and functions in

more than one tunnel along the route.

(5) The Safety Officer shall perform the following tasks and

functions

(a) ensure coordination with emergency services and take

part in the preparation of operational schemes;

(b) take part in the planning, implementation and

evaluation of emergency operations;

(c) take part in the definition of safety schemes and the

specification of the structure, equipment and operation

in respect of both new tunnels and modifications to

existing tunnels;

(d) verify that operational staff and emergency services

are trained, and he shall take part in the organisation of

exercises held at regular intervals;

(e) give advice on the commissioning of the structure,

equipment and operation of tunnels;

(f)

verify that the tunnel structure and equipment are

maintained and repaired; and

(g) take part in the evaluation of any significant incident

or accident as mentioned in regulation 7.

(1) The Tunnel Manager shall prepare an incident report

on any significant incident or accident occurring in a tunnel along

the Trans-European Road Network route in Malta.

(2) The said report shall be forwarded to the Safety Officer,

referred to in regulation 6, to the Authority and to the emergency

services within a maximum period of one calendar month.

(3) Where an investigation report is drawn up analysing the

circumstances of the incident or accident referred to in sub-

regulation (1) or the conclusions that can be drawn from it, the

Tunnel Manager shall forward this report to the Safety Officer, the

Authority and the emergency services no later than one calendar

month after he receives it himself.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNNELS

IN THE TRANS-EUROPEAN ROAD NETWORK

(1) The Authority shall appoint highly competent and

qualified inspection entities to perform on a regular basis

inspections, evaluations and tests in tunnels falling within the

scope of these regulations to ensure that the tunnels comply with

the provisions of these regulations.

(2) The Authority shall ensure that such inspection entities are

functionally independent from the Tunnel Manager.

(3) The period between two consecutive inspections of any

given tunnel shall not exceed six years.

(4) Where, on the basis of the report of the inspection entity,

the Au thority fin ds that a tun nel do es not co mpl y wi th th e

provisions of these regulations, the Authority shall notify the

Tunnel Manager and the Safety Officer that appropriate measures

to increase tunnel safety shall be adopted. The Authority shall also

define the conditions for continuing to operate the tunnel or for re-

opening the tunnel which will apply until remedial measures and

any further relevant restrictions or conditions are implemented.

(5) Where the remedial measures include any substantial

modification in the tunnel’s construction or operation, once these

measures have been taken, the tunnel shall be subject to a new

authorisation to operate in accordance with the procedure laid

down in the Second Schedule.

(1) Where certain structural requirements laid down in the

First Schedule can only be satisfied through technical solutions

which either cannot be achieved or can be achieved only at

disproportionate cost, the Authority may accept the implementation

of risk reduction measures, provided that such measures will result

in equivalent or improved protection.

(2) The efficiency of these measures shall be demonstrated

through a risk analysis in conformity with this regulation.

(3) The risk analysis, where necessary, shall be carried out by a

body which is functionally independent from the Tunnel Manager.

(4) The risk analysis shall take into account all design factors

a n d t r a f f i c c o n d i t i o n s t h a t a f f e c t s a f e t y, n o t a b l y t r a f f i c

characteristics and type, tunnel length and tunnel geometry, as well

as the forecast number of heavy goods vehicles each day.

(5) The content and results of the risk analysis shall be

included in the safety documentation submitted to the Authority.