ROAD TUNNEL SAFETY EVALUATION AND CRASH ANALYSIS: EXPERIENCES FROM SERBIA

AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S): Dalibor Pešić , Krsto Lipovac , Boris Antić , Emir Smailović , Filip Filipović , Nenad Marković , Jelica Šćekić 

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DOI:  10.46793/ACUUS2025.4.14.206

SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:

Road tunnels represent critical sections of the transport infrastructure where the risk of traffic crashes and fire incidents is significantly increased due to confined space, specific geometry, and limited visibility and ventilation conditions. This paper presents an analysis of traffic crashes that occurred on the motorway network in the Republic of Serbia during the period 2020–2024, with a special focus on the Šarani and Lipak tunnels. Data from the national crash database and the internal records of the public enterprise “Roads of Serbia” were used to identify the most frequent crash types and related risk factors. Although crashes in tunnels account for less than 0.1% of all recorded crashes, they show a notably higher proportion of severe outcomes. The analysis includes factors such as lighting conditions, pavement surface, traffic signalization, and the functionality of safety equipment. Furthermore, the paper outlines the national methodology for conducting Road Safety Inspections (RSI) in tunnels, harmonized with the current PIARC recommendations and the Serbian Rulebook on tunnel safety requirements. The results highlight the need for systematic monitoring of tunnel safety equipment and the implementation of risk-management measures to enhance the safety of road users in closed traffic environments.

KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:

road tunnels, traffic safety, road safety inspection, Serbia

PROJEKAT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

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