Tunnel safety

What are the main points to remember when travelling in a tunnel in Queensland?

When travelling in a tunnel in Queensland, you should:

• avoid changing lanes if possible
• follow the directions displayed on signage and watch out for any changes in the speed limit
• always follow the speed limit and always obey Queensland road rules. All speed limits in tunnels are enforced 
• keep a safe distance from the car in front (at least a two-second gap)
• try not to brake suddenly, especially in peak hour when bottlenecks and sudden stops can occur unexpectedly
• secure your load. Penalties can apply for insecure loads in tunnels and open road in Queensland
• take extra care when merging and entering a motorway near a tunnel.

What should I do when entering a tunnel?

When entering a tunnel, always remember to:

• listen for updates or important traffic information on your radio
• turn on your headlights
• obey all traffic signs, signals and pavement markings
• take your sunglasses off (unless optical prescription glasses are required)
• avoid changing lanes if possible (this is not mandatory but does improve the safety for everybody in the tunnel
• keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, even if traffic is moving slowly.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down or I crash in a tunnel?

• If possible, drive your vehicle safely out of the tunnel. If this is not possible, pull over in a breakdown bay or the side of the lane where it is safe to stop and where you are out of the way of other moving vehicles.
• Switch your hazard lights on, call for help and wait in your vehicle (if it is safe to do so) for the help to arrive.
• If emergency phones are close by and can be accessed safely from where you have stopped, use the phones available.
• If you suspect your vehicle is faulty, never enter a tunnel.

What should I do if I am caught in traffic while travelling in a tunnel?

If you are caught in traffic while travelling in a tunnel, you should:

• turn on your radio – regular traffic updates are frequently announced on most of Queensland’s radio stations and may give you specific updates on the tunnel you are travelling in
• maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, even if traffic is moving slowly
• turn off your engine if you are in extremely heavy traffic (i.e. at standstill) or if you have been instructed to doso by an authorised traffic controller. Idling for extended periods of time produces higher levels of dangerous pollutants.

What should I do if there is a fire in the tunnel I am travelling in?

• If you see smoke or have been warned there is a fire in the tunnel, pull over and do not enter the tunnel. Wait for instructions via radio or a message board.
• If you are in a tunnel and see smoke or fire, pull over, turn off the engine, leave the keys in the ignition and walk towards the exit, unless otherwise advised by your radio or an electronic message board.
• If your vehicle catches fire, stop in a breakdown bay or pull over to the side of the lane and turn off the engine. If it is an engine fire, release the catch on your bonnet and if available close by, spray the fire through the gap with a fire extinguisher. Do not open the bonnet as fires grow with oxygen.
• If your vehicle catches fire and you can't put it out, leave your keys in the ignition and use either an emergency phone located in the tunnel or a mobile phone to call 000 for emergency assistance. Follow any instructions they give you. If in doubt simply exit the tunnel as quickly and safely as possible.