Tunnel safety and evacuation
Tunnel safety in Norway - warning systems, fire and evacuation, and what to do in a breakdown or collision.
Norway has more than 1,100 road tunnels, and most drivers pass through several every week. Most journeys are uneventful, but when something goes wrong - fire, collision or breakdown - it is crucial to know what to do. This article explains safety systems, warnings and fast evacuation.
Tunnel types in Norway
| Tunnel type | Length | Typical systems |
|---|---|---|
| Short tunnels | Under 500 m | Lighting, sometimes emergency phone |
| Medium tunnels | 500-3,000 m | Fire detection, emergency phone, camera surveillance |
| Long tunnels | 3,000-10,000 m | Smoke ventilation, emergency exits, loudspeakers |
| Undersea tunnels | Varies | Pumps, extra fire and rescue equipment |
Examples: Laerdal Tunnel (24.5 km), Bomlafjord Tunnel and Oslofjord Tunnel.
Preparations before entering
- Turn off the start/stop function before a planned long tunnel if appropriate
- Check fuel level - EVs should also have a buffer
- Switch on dipped headlights before the tunnel entrance
- Keep a normal following distance to the vehicle ahead
For more on driving technique in tunnels, see Driving in tunnels .
How tunnels are equipped
| Equipment | Typical placement | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency phone | Every 125-250 m | Direct contact with the traffic control centre |
| Fire extinguisher | Every 125 m | Usually a 6-9 kg powder extinguisher |
| Fire hydrant | Every 250 m | For the fire service |
| Emergency exit | Every 250-500 m | Leads outside or to a parallel tunnel |
| Turning niche | Varies | Used in special blockage situations |
| Cameras | Dense coverage | Monitored continuously |
| Variable signs | At tunnel mouths and inside | Speed limits, closures and warnings |
What to do in a queue or breakdown
- Keep at least 15 metres to the vehicle in front.
- Switch on your hazard lights.
- Do not turn off the engine unless you expect a prolonged standstill.
- Listen for instructions from the loudspeaker system or variable signs.
- Do not leave the car unless you are told to do so.
Fire in your own or another vehicle
React immediately, but calmly:
- Stop as close to the wall as possible, preferably near an emergency exit
- Turn off the engine and take the key with you
- Leave the car and evacuate toward the emergency exit - downstream of the smoke
- Close the doors to limit airflow to the fire
- Use a fire extinguisher only for a small fire and only if there is no smoke
For more, see Car fire and evacuation .
Smoke is the biggest danger
Fire in a tunnel rarely harms you directly. Smoke gases kill quickly, especially carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanide. Therefore:
- Leave the car as soon as the smoke becomes thick
- Bend down - visibility is better near the floor
- Use a piece of clothing over your mouth and nose if possible
- Follow the green emergency-exit lights
Using an emergency phone
When you lift the handset, you are connected directly to the traffic control centre:
- State the tunnel name and distance marker if you can
- Describe what has happened: collision, fire or breakdown
- Wait for instructions and do not hang up until told to
Emergency phones are also available through the Bilberging and 112 Norge mobile apps.
Evacuation with passengers
- Take small children out of child seats immediately
- Speak calmly - panic slows people down
- Stay together as one group
- Follow the marked escape routes
Common mistakes during tunnel incidents
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Turning the car around in the tunnel | Blocks others and is usually illegal |
| Staying in the car during a fire | High risk of smoke poisoning |
| Using full beam | Blinds other drivers |
| Trying to extinguish a large fire | Delays evacuation |
| Taking personal belongings | Slows down your escape |
After a tunnel incident
- Gather at the assembly point outside the tunnel
- Wait for instructions from police or rescue leaders
- Get medical assessment after smoke exposure or heat stress
- The insurance claim can be filed the next day
Training and awareness
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration recommends that drivers:
- Visualise evacuation before entering long tunnels
- Notice emergency exits and extinguishers
- Avoid entering a tunnel with a known brake fault or another serious technical defect - see Brake faults
Tunnel incidents are rare, but when they happen, every second matters. Learn the equipment and evacuation routines so you can act correctly if necessary.