Reply
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Mr President,
(a)
There were 36 traffic accidents in tunnels in 1992 whilst the one-tube two-way arrangements were in operation. In 1993 there were 44 and in 1994 there were 38. The numbers of casualties were as follows:
(b)
1992
1993
1994
Fatal injuries
Serious injuries
32
Minor injuries
~27
1
4
18
30
51
56
53
85
75
87
Road tunnels need to be regularly cleaned and inspected, for example, so that the electrical and mechanical equipment and services within the tunnels can be maintained, repaired and replaced as necessary. The least disruptive time to carry out such work is at night by closing one tube of each tunnel. Consideration has been given to restricting passage to a one-way traffic flow. However, there are operational constraints and this would also cause considerable inconvenience to motorists.
To reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring when one tube is used for two way traffic, the following arrangements are now adopted as far as possible :
0
(ii)
(ii)
(iv)
cleansing and maintenance works carried out between 1:00 am and 6:00 am, when traffic is light;
no tunnels are closed at weekends, on long holidays, or on the eve of long holidays;
before and during closure, adequate warning traffic signs, cones and flashing beacons are provided at strategic locations to alert motorists:
a lower speed limit of 50 km per hour is imposed, and radar speed checks are carried out;
(v) road safety messages are broadcast within the tunnels; and