REDUCED HEIGHT URBAN TUNNELS GEOMETRIC DESIGN

TUNNELS URBAINS A GABARIT REDUIT CONCEPTION GEOMETRIQUE

This paper describes various aspects of the long reduced-height road tunnels that are being used in France to reduce traffic congestion in major conurbations. These tunnels are typically between 500m and 10km long. Reasons for using this type of tunnel include: (1) the very high proportion of low vehicles in urban traffic; (2) their technically easier construction, due to their smaller cross section; (3) the acceptability of steeper gradients than for tunnels carrying heavy vehicles; (4) their good traffic flow conditions; and (5) their suitability for use in traffic control systems. In designing these tunnels, the following choices are critical: (1) reference speed, typically 60kph or 80kph; (2) traffic control operating method; and (3) tunnel height, typically 2.00m, 2.70m or 3.50m. The main features of their geometrical design concern: (1) horizontal and vertical alignment; and (2) cross section, including height and width. An analysis must also be performed, to design the connections between the main tunnel and its entrances and exits. It takes account of: (1) minimum recommended outdoor configurations; and (2) actual vehicle speeds in exchange zones and how to reduce them.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/31984593
• Corporate Authors:

  Permanent International Assoc of Road Congresses

  27 rue Guenegaud
  Paris,   France 
• Authors:
  • Marec, M
  • DEFFAYET, M
• Publication Date: 1995-9

Language

• Undetermined

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 38-52
• Serial:
  • Routes/Roads
  • Issue Number: 288
  • Publisher: World Road Association (PIARC)
  • ISSN: 0004-556X
  • Serial URL: http://www.piarc.org/en/publications/Routes-Roads-Magazine/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cross sections; Height; Intersection elements; Layout; Shape; Speed; Traffic congestion; Traffic control; Traffic flow; Tunnels; Urban areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases; Entrances; Traffic relief
• Geographic Terms: France
• ITRD Terms: 6404: Cross section; 9009: Decrease; 426: Entrance; 8036: France; 6489: Height; 2885: Layout; 9073: Shape; 5408: Speed; 654: Traffic control; 671: Traffic flow; 631: Traffic relief; 3374: Tunnel; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00716019
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 31 1996 12:00AM