Fires and accidents pose dire threats in underwater tunnels, due to the higher gradient, limited and difficult access, and egress. The issue of fire safety in road tunnels, especially in cold climate is exacerbated due to icy/slippery road conditions. At low temperatures, for instance, leaks forms ice that will affect traction and, can be an underlying cause of accidents. This requires a holistic approach to fire safety by considering the peculiar characteristics of cold operating environment.The central thrust of this paper is to examine the current fire safety regulations and, requirements for underwater tunnels, by means of a case study. The goal is to assess the impact of cold operating environment, while also accounting for both foreseen and unforeseen uncertainties in the long term. The case study results demonstrate that implementing security systems and, equipment that have a better resistance to cold climate proves to be very important factor in reducing the casualties and lengthy disruptions of the transport system. Further, the results from the case study can serve as a guide in developing cost-effective and efficient evacuation plans that determines the best way to undertake evacuation activity in cold environment.
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