TunnelPoland

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13. Tunnel

A tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle such as a hill, mountain, building, waterway or another transport route. Road tunnels may contain one or more traffic lanes and can carry traffic in one or both directions.

Driving in a tunnel requires particular attention because visibility, available escape routes and space for avoiding hazards are limited. Drivers should follow the applicable lighting, speed, lane and following-distance rules and pay attention to emergency exits, traffic signals and variable-message signs.

Tunnel
Road passing beneath viaducts near Warszawa Zachodnia during reconstruction works. (Warsaw, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • Panek • CC BY-SA
What is a road tunnel?

A road tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle.

Should you use headlights in a tunnel?

Follow the local lighting rules and traffic signs. Many countries require dipped headlights in tunnels even during daylight, while general visibility rules may also require vehicle lights.

Should you increase your following distance in a tunnel?

Yes. Additional distance gives more time to react to sudden congestion, a breakdown or another hazard where escape space may be limited.

Can you stop or park in a tunnel?

Voluntary stopping and parking are generally prohibited or strongly restricted in road tunnels. Drivers should stop only where permitted or when traffic, an emergency or another unavoidable situation requires it.

Can you reverse or make a U-turn in a tunnel?

Normally this should not be done unless specifically authorised or directed by emergency or traffic-control personnel. Motorway tunnels are additionally subject to the normal motorway prohibitions on reversing and U-turns.

What should you do if traffic stops in a tunnel?

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, follow traffic signals and instructions and avoid blocking emergency access. Switch on hazard warning lights where appropriate to warn following traffic.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?

Move into an emergency bay or other safe position if possible, switch on the hazard warning lights and follow the tunnel's emergency procedures. Use an emergency telephone or contact the emergency services where necessary.

What should you do if there is a fire in a tunnel?

Follow the emergency signs and instructions immediately. If evacuation is necessary, leave the vehicle and use the indicated emergency exit rather than remaining in a dangerous traffic or smoke-filled area.

What are tunnel emergency exits?

Emergency exits provide a route away from the traffic tunnel during incidents such as a fire. Signs may indicate the nearest exit and the direction or distance to it.

Should you remove sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

Where necessary, removing dark sunglasses before entering can help your eyes adapt more quickly to the lower light level inside the tunnel.

Can speed limits change inside a tunnel?

Yes. Tunnels may have permanent or variable speed restrictions. Drivers must follow the speed limit currently indicated.

Can dangerous goods be restricted in tunnels?

Yes. Certain tunnels may restrict vehicles carrying dangerous goods because an incident in an enclosed space can create additional risks. Follow all applicable tunnel-category and dangerous-goods signs.

1 Poland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Separated path 12 Pedestrian warning 13 Tunnel 14 Speed bump 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 Turn prohibition 34 School area 35 Overtaking 36 Crossing animals 37 Curve 38 Chevron 39 Wrong-way driving 40 Roadworks 41 Height limit 42 Weight limit 43 Radar speed sign 44 Priority at the next junction 45 Traffic lights 46 Traffic lights warning 47 Pedestrian lights 48 Road markings 49 Junction layout 50 Driving licence 51 Traffic mirror 52 International border 53 Pedestrian underpass 54 Cycling route 55 Parking 56 No parking 57 No stopping 58 Park and ride 59 Kiss and ride 60 Disabled parking 61 Traffic management 62 Merging 63 Reversing 64 U-turn 65 Road surface 66 Provisional licence 67 Hazardous cargo 68 Radio service 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Licence plate 72 Charging station 73 Dangers 74 Rail safety 75 Pedestrian 76 Cyclist 77 Car 78 Truck 79 Bus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 European emission standard 84 Public road 85 Pothole 86 Private property 87 Path 88 Particulates 89 Air pollution 90 Rush hour 91 Road code 92 Two-way traffic 93 Street gutter 94 Cargo bike 95 Forestry vehicle 96 Construction vehicle 97 Semi-trailer truck 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Delivery vehicle ...