In terms of both construction and operation, tunnels are the most energy demanding of road infrastructure assets. The construction of a road tunnel is energy intensive due to the volume of excavation required and the energy embodied in the materials that form the structure of the tunnel. In operating a tunnel, energy is consumed to provide adequate lighting, ventilation for drivers and to maintain drainage systems. A significant amount of equipment is also installed to deal with emergency situations. With a tunnel’s operational lifetime typically in excess of 100 years, energy usage through operation can soon outweigh that due to construction and therefore the former provided the focus for this project.

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