In order to proceed with the plan to comply with EU and national regulations concerning tunnels of 500 metres or more in length, Concessioni del Tirreno has introduced additional measures in tunnels during the execution of the works in order to better protect the safety of users and workers.

These measures, indicated by specific signage along the route, concern:

• adjustment of speed limits,
• minimum distance between vehicles of no less than 100 metres,
• overtaking ban not only for heavy-duty vehicles, which is already in place, but also for buses.

The single emergency number 112.

Below are some actions you should take if you are involved in certain tunnel situations.

Broken down vehicle

If your vehicle breaks down:

• try to reach the nearest lay-by, otherwise stop in the emergency lane or as far as possible on the right-hand side of the carriageway, even if partially encroaching on the verge or pavement, and switch on your hazard lights;
• switch off the engine without removing the keys from the dashboard;
• wear a fluorescent vest as required by the Italian Highway Code;
• place the warning triangle at a distance of at least 100 metres;
• if possible, read the indications on the location markers on the wall of the overtaking lane to find the almost exact stopping point;
• move onto the verge or pavement to reach an SOS telephone to call for help and remain inside the recess with the other passengers if possible.

Queue or traffic jam in the tunnel

If you find yourself in a traffic jam inside a tunnel:

• switch on the emergency lights (hazard lights);
• leave space between your vehicle and the one in front;
• do not occupy the emergency lane if present, otherwise position yourself as far to the right if in lane of travel and further to the left if in the overtaking lane, allowing a central aisle for emergency vehicles to pass;
• switch off the engine and do not leave the vehicle;
• do not perform any manoeuvre other than moving off again.

Arrow/cross signs

At each tunnel mouth (equal to or greater than 500 metres), backlit arrow/cross signs are placed on the vault of each lane. The green arrow indicates that the lane is passable; the red cross means that the lane is not passable due to obstacles, stopped vehicles, accidents or roadworks, so it is necessary to change lanes.

If the red cross is shown for both lanes, it means that the tunnel is not passable and you must not enter, stopping safely.

At the entrance to some tunnels, there may also be traffic lights on each side that reiterate in red and green what is shown with the arrow/cross sign. In the event of a red cross on a single lane, the traffic lights will flash yellow as a sign of caution.

Travelling through a tunnel safely

Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Do not exceed the speed limit.

Remember to check the location markers inside often, if any, and check the name of the tunnel before entering so that you always have an idea of where you are.

Fire

Should you find yourself in a tunnel with an ongoing fire, you must follow these simple but important rules:

• stop on the right-hand side of the lane of travel, if possible at an adequate distance from the location of the fire;
• switch on the emergency lights (hazard lights);
• move away from the vehicle quickly without necessarily retrieving personal belongings, but leave the keys inserted and do not lock the vehicle;
• find the green arrows on the wall of the overtaking lane that give indications of the distances to the tunnel entrance/exit and to the emergency exits, if present, which allow you to reach a safe place to wait for help to arrive;
• if possible, as described in the previous point, move in the opposite direction to the smoke;
• help people with limited mobility to evacuate.