Investigation and Analysis on the Vehicle Cross Passages of Highway Tunnels

Abstract

Abstract Vehicle cross passages are critical infrastructure for emergency rescue in highway tunnels but how to use them is disputed in the industry. This paper investigates 9 expressway operation and management companies in China and 292 highway tunnels in their charge through site interviews and questionnaires to understand and analyze traffic routes of general vehicles and rescue vehicles and the use of vehicle cross passages during routine operation & maintenance, traffic accident and fire incident handling by each company. The survey results show: it is difficult for large vehicles to pass through vehicle cross passages due to the small radius of turning circle at the corner, and the influence on traffic safety in the adjacent tube is great. It is not recommended to use vehicle cross passages if traffic in the adjacent tube is not interrupted. The use of vehicle cross passages should be limited to rescue vehicles in initial stage of fire incidents.